Is Chain Mail Illegal? Unraveling the Myths and Realities
The question of whether chain mail is illegal is a common source of confusion, often stemming from a misunderstanding of the term itself. The answer, in short, is no. Chain mail, the protective armor made of interlocking metal rings, is not illegal. However, the term “chain mail” is often mistakenly conflated with “chain letters”, which are illegal in many jurisdictions due to their nature as a form of mail fraud and lottery. This article will delve into the distinctions, clarify the legalities surrounding both, and provide a comprehensive overview.
Understanding the Difference: Chain Mail vs. Chain Letters
To understand why one is legal and the other often isn’t, it’s crucial to distinguish between chain mail (armor) and chain letters.
Chain Mail (Armor)
Chain mail, also sometimes called mail or maille, refers to the flexible armor consisting of small metal rings linked together in a pattern. Historically, it was a prevalent form of protection for warriors and knights for centuries. It provided good defense against slashing blows and piercing weapons. Chain mail is still used today, often in specialized applications such as police armor, where the flexibility and stab resistance are valued. The construction and possession of chain mail armor are perfectly legal. There are no laws that restrict the purchase, creation, or use of chain mail.
Chain Letters
Chain letters, on the other hand, are messages or documents that request the recipient to make copies and send them to multiple other recipients. They often promise good luck, fortune, or some form of reward, while threatening bad luck if ignored. Some chain letters ask recipients to send a small sum of money to certain addressees, creating a kind of pyramid scheme. This aspect is what makes them often illegal.
The Illegality of Chain Letters
Chain letters that involve money or lotteries are frequently illegal under various federal and state laws. Specifically, in the United States, they often violate the Postal Lottery Statute (Title 18, United States Code, Section 1302). This law prohibits the use of the mail for lotteries or schemes that involve the distribution of money based on chance.
How Chain Letters Break the Law
Chain letters often function as a form of mail fraud, especially when they:
- Request Money: If the letter asks for money to be sent to various names on the list with the promise of future returns. This is essentially a pyramid scheme and a form of fraud.
- Promise Financial Gain: They suggest a game of chance or a lottery with an opportunity for financial gain, which is considered fraudulent.
- Involve Misleading Claims: They can include promises of unrealistic rewards or threaten bad luck if the letter is not forwarded.
Historical Crackdown
The illegality of chain letters isn’t a recent development. Even as early as 1899, the U.S. Postal Service declared “dime letter” chains a violation of lottery laws and cracked down on them. Historical examples like the “Send-a-Dime” scheme during the Great Depression demonstrated the harmful potential of these schemes, leaving most participants impoverished while enriching only a select few at the top of the chain.
Legal and Responsible Actions Regarding Chain Letters
If you receive a chain letter that asks for money or promises monetary rewards, the recommended action is to ignore it, delete it, or throw it out. Do not participate by sending money or forwarding the message.
What To Do:
- Report it to the Authorities: To help put a stop to this type of mail fraud, turn chain letters in to your local post office.
- Report Online Scams: Report e-mail and text scams to your Internet service provider and forward the e-mail or text message to the Federal Trade Commission at [email protected] .
- Educate Others: Warn your friends and family about the dangers of chain letters.
Chain Mail (Armor) in Modern Use
Modern Applications
Despite its historical roots, chain mail armor continues to find modern applications. It remains effective in offering stab resistance and flexibility, making it suitable for:
- Police and Security Armor: Some police forces utilize chain mail in protective gear because it offers both flexibility and defense against knife attacks.
- Stage and Costume Use: Chain mail is popular for theatrical productions, historical reenactments, and costume design.
- Historical Reenactments: Enthusiasts participate in historical reenactments, showcasing the traditional look and feel of chain mail.
- Movie Productions: The film industry uses chain mail for its authentic look in historical films.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it illegal to own chain mail?
No, it is not illegal to own, create, buy, or sell chain mail armor. There are no legal restrictions surrounding its possession.
2. Why are chain letters illegal?
Chain letters are illegal when they involve a game of chance or a lottery with an opportunity for financial gain. They often violate mail fraud and lottery laws.
3. What is the Postal Lottery Statute?
The Postal Lottery Statute (18 U.S.C. § 1302) prohibits the use of the mail for lotteries or schemes involving the distribution of money based on chance.
4. Can I get in trouble for receiving a chain letter?
No, you will not get in trouble for receiving a chain letter. However, you can get into legal trouble if you participate in the scheme by sending money or continuing to forward it.
5. What should I do if I receive a chain letter?
The best course of action is to ignore, delete, or throw it away. Do not participate or send money.
6. Does chain mail offer good protection?
Chain mail is effective against slashing blows and piercing weapons, but its effectiveness is reduced against heavy impacts or pointed attacks that can pierce between the rings.
7. Is chain mail stab proof?
Chain mail is naturally stab resistant, but it isn’t impenetrable, especially against force applied with a sharp point, and can be penetrated more easily than modern body armor.
8. Is chain mail still used today?
Yes, chain mail is still used today, primarily for specialized applications such as police armor, historical reenactments, theatrical productions, and movie sets.
9. How heavy is chain mail?
Chain mail can be quite heavy, generally weighing between 55 to 60 pounds for a full suit of mail.
10. Why did chainmail stop being used as primary battle armor?
Chainmail was eventually surpassed by plate armor, which provided greater protection against windlass crossbows, bludgeoning weapons, and lance charges while maintaining most of the mobility of mail.
11. Are there religious chain letters?
Yes, some chain prayers and religious chain letters are modeled after secular ones, using superstitious language to suggest that blessings will only be given if the message is passed on.
12. Can chain mail be repaired?
Yes, chain mail is relatively easy to repair. Loose rings can be replaced or repaired to maintain its structural integrity.
13. Can sending a threatening letter lead to legal trouble?
Yes, it is a federal crime to extort someone by use of threats through the United States Postal Service. Mailing threatening communications is a serious offense with severe penalties.
14. Is chain mail flexible?
Yes, chain mail is valued for its flexibility and mobility, which allows for ease of movement while wearing the armor.
15. How does chain mail get its name?
Chain mail gets its name from the way it is constructed, which is by using a series of small metal rings that are linked together, like a chain.
Conclusion
While the term “chain mail” might conjure images of illegal activities, it’s crucial to remember the distinction between chain mail (armor) and chain letters. Chain mail armor is completely legal, while chain letters involving money or lotteries are often illegal due to their nature as mail fraud. Knowing the difference is key to understanding the legal implications and responding appropriately to each. Always be cautious of any chain letters that ask for money or promise unrealistic gains. Understanding these aspects will help you stay informed and legally compliant.