Humanoid Targets in Massachusetts
A Clarification
Rob Boudrie, May 10 2002
I have recently received questions about news reports that the United
States Court of Appeals for the first circuit recently upheld the
Massachusetts General Law which prohibits shooting
at human targets, and how it will affect USPSA/IPSC
matches in this state.
These comments are offered with the usual disclaimer that I am not a
lawyer, and this does not constitute any manner commentary is not
"legal advice."
The short answer is It will have not mandate any changes in our
match procedures.
Here's why it doesn't effect our matches
Chapter 180 of 1998 included a provision which mandates that a club
which holds a "Class A License to Carry Firearms" must prohibit
the firing at "targets that depict human figures, human effigies,
human silhouettes or any human images thereof, except by public safety
personnel performing in line with their official duties."
The relevant facts:
- Nothing in Masschusetts Law requires a club to apply for
or obtain a License to Carry Firearms. (Any Massachusetts resident
who wishes to purchase or posess a handgun must, however, obtain
such a license - but that is not a "club" license).
- No USPSA Affiliated clubs in Massachusetts hold a Massachusetts
Club License to Carry Firearms. Since the provision of Chapter 180
pertaining to humanoid targets applies only to Clubs holding such a
license, the prohibition does not impact any member clubs.
- I am not aware of any Massachusetts club not affiliated with USPSA
which has obtained a club license to carry firearms.
What if it did?
Even if Massachusetts residents were prohibited from using our
primary target, I would not support a "least common demonimator"
approach for the United States Region.
Interesting Article
The
Findlaw website has an interesting article on this decision.