ÿþ<html> <head> <title>Opinion #7260</title> </head> <body bgcolor="#ffffff" leftmargin="20" topmargin="20"> <BASEFONT size=2 face=Times> <P><FONT size=2 face=Times>The following opinion is presented on-line for informational use only and does not replace the official version. (Mich. Dept. of Attorney General Web Site - http://www.ag.state.mi.us) </FONT><BR></P> <P> <HR SIZE=3> <BR> <P></P> <P></P> <P align=center>STATE OF MICHIGAN </P> <P align=center></P> <P align=center><B>BILL SCHUETTE, ATTORNEY GENERAL</B> </P> <P align=center></P> <TABLE style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" border=0 cellSpacing=0 borderColor=#111111 cellPadding=7 width=630> <TBODY> <TR> <TD vAlign=top width=308> <P align=left>FIREARMS: </P> <P align=left>SILENCERS OR MUFFLERS: </P> <P align=left>MICHIGAN PENAL CODE: </P></TD> <TD vAlign=top width=288> <P align=left>Possession of firearm silencers or mufflers </P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <P align=left><FONT size=3>The possession, manufacture, or sale of a firearm silencer is permitted in Michigan under MCL 750.224(1)(b) if the person is licensed or approved to possess, manufacture, or sell such a device by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as required by MCL 750.224(3)(c). Possession, manufacture, or sale of a firearm silencer by an unlicensed or unapproved person is a felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment under MCL 750.224(2). </FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT size=3></FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT size=3>Opinion No. 7260</FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT size=3></FONT></P> <P align=left><FONT size=3>September 2, 2011</FONT></P> <P align=left></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGReg1><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Honorable Rick Jones<BR></FONT></FONT><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">State Senator<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGReg1><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Capitol<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 5">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</SPAN></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGReg1><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:City w:st="on">Lansing</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">MI<BR><BR>Honorable Tonya Schuitmaker<BR>State Senator<BR>The Capitol<BR></st1:State><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Lansing</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">MI</st1:State></st1:place><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGReg1><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGReg1><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Honorable Mark Meadows<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 3">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGReg1><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">State Representative<BR><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 4"></SPAN></FONT></FONT><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Capitol<SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 5">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGReg1><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><st1:City w:st="on">Lansing</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">MI</st1:State><SPAN style="mso-tab-count: 5">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR><BR>Honorable Kevin Cotter&nbsp;<BR>State Representative<o:p></o:p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR>The Capitol<BR>Lansing, MI&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</SPAN> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGReg1><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2>In separate requests, you have asked whether, assuming the appropriate license or approval is obtained from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a Michigan&nbsp;citizen may legally possess, manufacture, or sell a firearm silencer or muffler.<SUP>1<BR></SUP></FONT></FONT><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"><BR></FONT></P><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGReg2>Federal law imposes restrictions and taxes on the transfer or making of certain firearms, including devices such as silencers or mufflers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>28 USC 5845(a); 18 USC 921(a)(3).<SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>2</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The Department of Justice regulates firearms through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.<SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>3</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">The federal licensing or approval process is set forth in the National Firearms Act, 26 USC 5811 <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">et seq</I> (transfers of firearms), and 26 USC 5821 <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">et seq</I> (making of firearms), and promulgated regulations.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>See 27 CFR Part 479. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>Both the transfer and the making of a silencer may be approved by the Bureau upon submitting the proper application forms.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGReg2><BR>In either case, the application process involves a detailed background check to ensure that the applicant complies with federal law, including a determination that the applicant has not been charged with or been convicted of a disqualifying crime; is a lawful resident and at least 21 years of age; does not use illegal substances; has not been adjudicated mentally defective or committed to a mental institution; and has not been convicted of a crime involving domestic violence.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>In addition, the applicant must undergo an identification verification process and secure a certification from a local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the area of the applicant's residence that the device will be used for lawful purposes, and that its possession does not violate state or local law.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>See 27 CFR Part 479, Subparts E and F.<SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>4</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><BR></SPAN><BR clear=all></SPAN></SPAN></FONT></FONT><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Turning to your question, the analysis begins with section 224 of the Michigan Penal Code, MCL 750.224, found in Chapter 37 relating to firearms.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Public Act 33 of 1991 reorganized the section into its present structure, including four subsections: <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>prohibitions are stated in subsection (1)(a) through (e); the penalty for violating the section is stated in subsection (2); the exceptions are stated in subsection 3(a) through (c); and subsection (4) provides a definition of the term "muffler" or "silencer."</FONT><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>5</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Section 224 thus provides, in part:</FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT>&nbsp;</P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">(1)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">A person shall not manufacture, sell, offer for sale, or possess any of the following</I>:<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">a)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A machine gun or firearm that shoots or is designed to shoot automatically more than 1 shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.</FONT></FONT></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT>&nbsp;</P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">(b)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">muffler or silencer</I>.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">(c)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A bomb or bombshell.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">(d)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A blackjack, slugshot, billy, metallic knuckles, sand club, sand bag, or bludgeon.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">(e)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A device, weapon, cartridge, container, or contrivance designed to render a person temporarily or permanently disabled by the ejection, release, or emission of a gas or other substance.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">(2) <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both.<BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><BR style="mso-special-character: line-break"><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">(3)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Subsection (1) does not apply to any of the following</I>:<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">(a)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A self-defense spray or foam device as defined in section 224d.<SUP><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">[<SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">6</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>]<o:p></o:p></SPAN></SUP></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">(b)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A person manufacturing firearms, explosives, or munitions of war by virtue of a contract with a department of the government of the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">(c)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">A person licensed by the </SPAN>[Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives] <SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">to manufacture, sell, or possess a machine gun, <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">or a device, weapon, cartridge, container, or contrivance described in subsection (1).</I> <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>[Emphasis added.]</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0in" class=AGQuote><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;<BR></FONT></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">The plain language of MCL 750.224(1) prohibits the possession, manufacture, or sale of silencers. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>But subsection 3 of section 224 states a number of exceptions to the general prohibition set forth in subsection (1).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The question, therefore, is whether any of these exceptions apply to silencers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The first two subsections, (3)(a) and (b), do not relate to silencers.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Thus, an exception to the prohibition against possessing silencers stated in subsection (1) may only be found in the language of subsection (3)(c).<SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>7<BR><BR></SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">When construing a statute, the foremost obligation is to discern and effectuate the intent of the Legislature as may reasonably be inferred from the words expressed in the statute.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Halloran v Bhan</I>, 470 <st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State> 572, 576-578; 683 NW2d 129 (2004); <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Massey v Mandell</I>, 462 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> 375, 380-381; 614 NW2d 70 (2000).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Unless defined in the statute, every word or phrase of a statute should be accorded its plain and ordinary meaning, taking into account the context in which the words are used.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>MCL 8.3a; <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Western Michigan Univ Bd of Control v <st1:State w:st="on">Michigan</st1:State></I>, 455 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> 531, 539; 565 NW2d 828 (1997).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Both the plain meaning of the critical word or phrase as well as its placement and purpose in the statutory scheme must be considered.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Sun Valley Foods Co v Ward</I>, 460 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> 230, 237; 596 NW2d 119 (1999).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Nothing may be read into an unambiguous statute that is not within the manifest intent of the Legislature as derived from the words of the statute itself.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Roberts v Mecosta County General Hosp</I>, 466 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> 57, 63; 642 NW2d 663 (2002).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>But effect must be given to every word in a statute so as to avoid an interpretation that would render any part surplusage.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Jenkins v Patel</I>, 471 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> 158, 167; 684 NW2d 346 (2004).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR><BR></SPAN></FONT></FONT><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">The language of subsection (3)(c) of section 224 must be analyzed with these guiding principles in mind.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>That language states that subsection (1) does not apply to: <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>"A person licensed by" the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives "to manufacture, sell, or possess a machine gun, or a device, weapon, cartridge, container, or contrivance described in subsection (1)."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The plain text applies to a person federally licensed "to manufacture, sell, or possess a machine gun." <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>OAG, <SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">2005-2006, No 7183, p&nbsp;63 (December 27, 2005), examined this provision and the applicable federal licensing law and concluded that it authorized a person in Michigan to possess a machine gun if it was lawfully possessed before May 19, 1986, and was properly registered under federal law.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>This language does not apply to silencers, however, leaving the balance of subsection (3)(c) for review.<BR><BR></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">The remaining part of subsection (3)(c) states that subsection (1) does not apply to a person federally licensed to manufacture, sell, or possess "a <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">device</I>, weapon, cartridge, container, or contrivance <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">described in subsection (1)</I>."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>MCL 750.224(3)(c) (emphasis added).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></SPAN>Answering your question requires determining the meaning of this emphasized language, which is important in several respects.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; <BR><BR></SPAN>First, the language refers to specific items mentioned in subsection (1) of section 224:<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>a machine gun, as mentioned in subsection (1)(a), and the five items mentioned in subsection (1)(e) ("device, weapon, cartridge, container, or contrivance").<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>But it does not incorporate the same clause used in subsection (1)(e) to limit the items listed there ("designed to render a person temporarily or permanently disabled by the ejection, release, or emission of a gas or other substance").<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2><BR></FONT></o:p><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Second, when qualifying the terms "device, weapon, cartridge, container, or contrivance," the exception refers to "subsection (1)" and not the more limiting subdivision (e) of subsection (1).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The question therefore arises whether the Legislature intended to authorize possession of only federally-registered machine guns and certain gas-emitting devices or whether it intended to authorize possession of all the items listed in subsection (1) if federally registered.<o:p></o:p></P> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; TEXT-INDENT: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2><o:p>&nbsp;<BR></o:p>Again, the foremost rule is to ascertain and effectuate the intent of the Legislature.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Halloran</I>, 470 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> at 576-578.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>"[I]t is the court's duty to give effect to the intent of the Legislature as expressed in the actual language used in the statute.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>It is the role of the judiciary to interpret, not write the law.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>If the statutory language is clear and unambiguous, the statute is enforced as written.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Judicial construction is neither necessary nor permitted because it is presumed that the Legislature intended the clear meaning it expressed."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">People v Schaefer</I>, 473 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> 418, 430-431; 703 NW2d 774 (2005) (footnotes omitted).<BR><BR><o:p></o:p></P></FONT></FONT> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Here, the Legislature exempted from the prohibition set forth in subsection 224(1) any federally-licensed "device&nbsp;.&nbsp;.&nbsp;. described in subsection (1)."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>MCL 750.224(3)(c).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A silencer is a "<I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">device</I> for muffling, silencing, or deadening the report of a firearm."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>MCL 750.224(4)(a) (emphasis added).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Had the Legislature intended to limit the exception in subsection (3)(c) of section 224 to machine guns and devices that eject, release, or emit gas or other substances, it would have limited the application of the exception to machine guns and those weapons and devices set out in subsection (1)(a) and (e). <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>Instead, the Legislature chose neither option, electing to use statutory language indicating that any of the devices listed in "subsection (1)" qualify for the federal licensee exception to the state prohibition.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Whether all of the devices listed in subsection (1) should fall within the exception for federally-registered devices is a policy determination for the Legislature alone to make; unambiguous statutes must be enforced as written.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The wisdom of a statute is for the Legislature to determine and not the courts; the law must be enforced as written.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Smith v Cliffs on the Bay Condo Ass'n</I>, 463 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> 420, 430; 617 NW2d 536 (2000).</FONT><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>8</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Moreover, since section 224 is part of the Penal Code and criminal penalties are provided for the illegal possession of a firearm silencer, specific rules of statutory construction involving criminal laws must also be considered.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A fundamental rule of statutory construction is that criminal statutes must be strictly construed.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">People v Carlson</I>, 466 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> 130, 138; 644 NW2d 704 (2002).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>But see MCL 750.2 (requiring that the provisions of the Penal Code be construed according to the "fair import of their terms, to promote justice and to effect the objects of the law").<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Any doubt whether conduct is criminal must be resolved in favor of the defendant.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">People v Jahner</I>, 433 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> 490; 446 NW2d 151 (1989).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>The fair and plain application of the exception set forth in MCL 750.224(3)(c) supports the conclusion that each of the devices or weapons "described in subsection (1)" of section 224 is exempted from the otherwise applicable prohibition of that subsection if possession is federally approved.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; <BR><BR></SPAN></FONT></FONT><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">It could be argued that the Legislature's use of the phrases "machine gun" and "device, weapon, cartridge, container, or contrivance," which initially appear in subsection (1)(a) and (e), and then are repeated in subsection (3)(c), evidence its intent to restrict the exception to the enumerated items in (1)(a) and (e).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Under this argument, the prohibition of subsection (1) would not apply based on the exception of subsection (3)(c) for a person licensed by the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to possess, manufacture, or sell a "machine gun," see (1)(a), or for a "device, weapon, cartridge, container, or contrivance <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">designed to render a person temporarily or permanently disabled by the ejection, release, or emission of a gas or other substance</I>," see (1)(e) (emphasis added).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A silencer does not fit either category, and thus, under this reading, would not be exempt from prohibition.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"> <P style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2>But this interpretation assumes that the Legislature mistakenly omitted from subsection 3(c) language it placed in subsection 1(e).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Alternatively, it requires assuming that the Legislature intended "described in subsection (1)" to mean "described in subsection 1(<SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic">e</SPAN>)."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>But under basic principles of statutory interpretation, language cannot be added to a statutory provision that the Legislature did not itself include.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Empire Iron Mining Partnership v Orhanen,</I> 455 <st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State> 410, 423; 565 NW2d 844 (1997); <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Farrington v Total Petroleum, Inc,</I> 442 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> 201, 210; 501 NW2d 76 (1993). <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt">Moreover, an interpretation that the Legislature intended to limit the "subsection (1)" exception to subsection 1(e) would require persons wishing to acquire any devices that disable a person through the ejection or release of a "gas or other substance" to secure a federal permit in order to qualify for the exception, which is not possible since the National Firearms Act does not generally regulate such devices, unless they are in the form of a poison gas bomb, missile, grenade, etc. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>28 USC 921 and 922.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A fundamental rule of statutory construction is that the Legislature did not intend to do a useless thing. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Girard v Wagenmaker</I>, 437 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Mich</st1:State></st1:place> 231, 244; 470 NW2d 372 (1991).</SPAN> <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp;</SPAN>Accordingly, the better reasoned interpretation, and the interpretation consistent with the rules of statutory construction that guide this office and the courts, is that a silencer is a "device" exempt from the prohibition of subsection 1 under the plain language of subsection 3(c). <o:p></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2>&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">It is my opinion, therefore, that the possession, manufacture, or sale of a firearm silencer is permitted in Michigan under MCL 750.224(1)(b) if the person is licensed or approved to possess, manufacture, or sell such a device by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as required by MCL 750.224(3)(c).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>Possession, manufacture, or sale of a firearm silencer by an unlicensed or unapproved person is a felony, punishable by up to five years imprisonment under MCL 750.224(2).<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGIndent2><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt"><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=AGReg1><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">BILL SCHUETTE<BR></FONT></FONT><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Attorney General<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P> <DIV style="mso-element: footnote-list"><BR clear=all><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"> <HR align=left SIZE=1 width="33%"> </FONT> <DIV style="mso-element: footnote" id=ftn1> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoFootnoteText><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>1</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3> </FONT><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Section 224(4) of the Michigan Penal Code, MCL 750.224(4), defines </SPAN><FONT size=3>"</FONT><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">muffler" or "silencer" to mean one or more of the following: <o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoFootnoteText><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">(a)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A device for muffling, silencing, or deadening the report of a firearm.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">(b)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a muffler or silencer.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt" class=AGQuote><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">(c)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>A part, designed or redesigned, and intended only for use in assembling or fabricating a muffler or silencer.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt 1in" class=AGQuote><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0in" class=AGQuote><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">These devices are also often referred to as "sound suppressors."<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>For convenience, reference to the term "silencer" or "silencers" throughout this opinion should be understood as referring to all the items listed in this definition. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0in" class=AGQuote><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></SPAN></P></DIV> <DIV style="mso-element: footnote" id=ftn2> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoFootnoteText><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>2</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3> </FONT><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Federal law also requires that all firearms be registered and listed on the <A name=TOC>National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record</A>.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>See 26 USC 5841 <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">et seq</I>.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoFootnoteText><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</FONT></o:p></P></DIV> <DIV style="mso-element: footnote" id=ftn3> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoFootnoteText><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>3</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3> </FONT><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">Historical responsibility of the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States to regulate firearms through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was transferred by Congress to the Department of Justice by Public Law No 107-296, Title XI, Subtitle B, &#0167; 1112(f)(4), (6), 116 Stat 2276 (codified at 18 USC 922 (2002)).<BR><BR></SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></P></DIV> <DIV style="mso-element: footnote" id=ftn4> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoFootnoteText><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>4</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3> </FONT><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">More detailed information regarding this process may be found on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives website at &lt;<A href="http://www.atf.gov/"><FONT color=#800080>http://www.atf.gov</FONT></A>&gt; (accessed August 31, 2011).</SPAN><FONT size=3>&nbsp;</FONT></FONT><o:p><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;<BR><BR></FONT></o:p></P></DIV> <DIV style="mso-element: footnote" id=ftn5> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoFootnoteText><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>5</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3> </FONT><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">See the full text of the current definition quoted in n 1.<BR><BR><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV> <DIV style="mso-element: footnote" id=ftn6> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoFootnoteText><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">6</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"> MCL 750.224d defines a self-defense spray device to include those devices capable of carrying, and ejects, releases, or emits not more than 35 grams of any combination of orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile and inert ingredients or a solution containing not more than 10% oleoresin capsicum.<BR><BR><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P></DIV> <DIV style="mso-element: footnote" id=ftn7> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoFootnoteText><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>7</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3> </FONT><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt">But see MCL 750.231 for additional exceptions, not relevant to your questions, afforded to law enforcement, armed forces, and similar personnel.<BR><BR><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P></DIV> <DIV style="mso-element: footnote" id=ftn8> <P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoFootnoteText><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="mso-special-character: footnote"><SPAN class=MsoFootnoteReference><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman','serif'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"><SUP>8</SUP></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"> In OAG, 1977-1978, No 5210, p 189 (August 10, 1977), the Attorney General opined that MCL 750.224 prohibited a person from possessing either an automatic weapon or a weapon equipped with a silencer.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>However, section 224 has undergone various amendments since that time, and these changes to the law supersede that opinion.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN>See 1978 PA<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> </B>564; 1980 PA 346; 1991 PA 33.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">&nbsp; </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><o:p></o:p></P></DIV></DIV> <P align=left><FONT size=2 face="Times New Roman"><BR>&nbsp;</P></FONT> <P align=left></P> <HR SIZE=3> <SCRIPT language=JavaScript> <!-- Start of JavaScript document.write('<font size=1 face="Arial">http:/' + unescape(self.document.location.pathname) + '<font size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp<br />State of Michigan, Department of Attorney General</font></font><br />'); document.write('<font size=1 face="Arial">Last Updated ' + document.lastModified + '</font>'); // End of JavaScript --> </SCRIPT> </BASEFONT> </body> </html>