I’m a firm believer in “jury nullification”...in certain situations. As a juror I can’t imagine having voted “guilty” in this case regardless of how convincing the evidence against him was. I simply don’t accept the validity of a law like this.
My first thought on this is, “how many eagles are killed by the wind mills?” Who’s doing the greater harm?
I wondered about that, too, why this law was passed. Per the article it goes back to 1940 so I don’t know, was something going on that point about eagles being hunted down for their feathers.
Exactly! What kind of country would give you 2 years and 250K fine for picking up a freaking bird feather?
In this case the man was shipping the eagle parts across state lines so the Feds would have jurisdiction.
But I don’t believe simple possession of eagle feathers should be covered by Federal law. Particularly in states where they are common.
Picking up a shed feather and keeping it can not harm the bird.
I can see leniency if it dropped from an eagle just flying over and you keep it as a keepsake. This guy was selling parts.