I think most, if not everyone, on this site looks at this in terms of how we all are going to handle a firearm, a real firearm, with real consequences...and that is with due respect and diligence.
Unfortunately, what's probably going to happen here is that the argument will be made that to an actor, a gun on a set is only a prop and they would have no expectation to even think of it as a "real" gun.
All it takes is a little reasonable doubt.
Rest assured they're not going to have a jury of NM cowboys as someone mentioned earlier.
I won't be surprised if he worms out of this, although I hope that he doesn't.
Obviously he has no sense of guilt or regret, and it would be a shame if he doesn't get some sort of punishment here. But I won't hold my breath
Let's play with that notion a little bit. In criminal matters, facts are examined against the letter of the law. Let's start by identifying the law under which he was charged. The bold is mine.
B. Involuntary manslaughter consists of manslaughter committed in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to felony,
or in the commission of a lawful act which might produce death in an unlawful manner or
without due caution and circumspection.
These are some of the facts as many of us understand them. They may not be correct. There are likely more relevant facts.
Baldwin knew the gun was real.
He knew that it was capable of firing live rounds.
Baldwin knew the gun had been used for live fire during breaks.
There are Hollywood provided safety guidelines for gun handling that as both an actor and producer, Baldwin was responsible knowing. Here are a few:
*Treat all prop guns as if they are real.
*Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
*Unless you are actually performing or rehearsing, the property master must secure all firearms.
*Check the firearm every time you take possession of it.
*Never point a firearm at anyone including yourself.
Do those facts move you to a yes conclusion that Baldwin was conducting himself with due caution and circumspection? Will they move those not familiar with guns (Baldwin's peers, the jurors) to the same conclusion.
That's the legal picture in a nutshell.
