« 2nd Circuit to hold argument in NY cases | Main | Florida Supreme Court upholds law penalizing violations of pre-emption statute »
Alec Baldwin and armorer to be charged
Posted by David Hardy · 19 January 2023 11:20 AM
Story here. The charges will involve involuntary (negligent rather than intentional) manslaughter. I wonder that they didn't charge second degree murder, a killing that can include gross negligence: "if in performing the acts which cause the death he knows that such acts create a strong probability of death or great bodily harm to that individual or another."
First, if prosecutors do not know who put the "live" cartridge in the revolver, why do they think they have enough facts to charge Baldwin, etc?
2nd, prosecutors' opinions about a "pattern" of disregard for safety are irrelevant. Do the prosecutors propose to testify as experts? If so, will not irrelevant acts be objected to and dismissed?
The Pietta would have the same vulnerabilities as the Colt to damage to the hammer cocked notch and the tip (sear) of the trigger. Also, Baldwin seems to deny pulling the trigger, but simply "releasing" the hammer. What if he simply took it with his finger inside the trigger guard, pressing the trigger immediately? Apparently we do not know.
My opinion: making movies is not a legitimate use of firearms. No firearm capable of loading a standard bulleted cartridge should be allowed on a movie set (except in the case of trained security). Movie guns should be prop guns limited to special effects blanks only, none of which can be fired in gun with standard chambers.