There’s a common stereotype that rich people often operate in the gray areas of the law, but do you know what’s even worse?
A billionaire in a big armored suit: Mr. Tony Stark, aka Iron Man.
Today, as a hypothetical prosecutor against Mr. Stark, we’ll uncover the reasons why Iron Man is considered The WORST Avenger.
Bang! Bang! Let the trial begin.
Contents
Hacking Governmental Assets
In the ‘Iron Man 2,’ Tony Stark audaciously hacks into the congressional hearing monitor while Colonel James Rhodes discusses the capture of military intelligence.
With such “ignorant” unauthorized access to federal government computers to extract classified information is a clear violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
Stark’s actions could lead to severe consequences, with potential penalties including up to 20 years in federal prison for compromising national security.
Additionally, by accessing restricted government areas during the hack, he also risks charges of trespassing on federal property. Depending on the breach’s severity, this could lead to up to 6 months in jail or significant fines.
Fortunately, it appears that Senator Stern is more focused on other issues than this reckless act.
Illegal Recruiting Teenagers
Now, let’s discuss the compelling mentorship between Mr. Stark and Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man).
However, their partnership starts on shaky legal ground as Tony Stark’s recruitment of teenager Peter Parker in ‘Civil War’ raises significant legal concerns.
By enlisting Peter to participate in a high-stakes Avenger conflict and supplying him with advanced technology for vigilante activities, Stark potentially breaches laws designed to protect minors.
In New York, endangering the welfare of a child is considered when someone under 17 is involved in risky activities, usually a misdemeanor with penalties up to a year in jail.
Stark’s actions, which involve international and potentially deadly scenarios, could attract harsher legal consequences.
Human Trafficking with Peter Parker
In the same recruitment scene, 2 details stand out: First, Peter didn’t have a passport; second, he said, ‘Don’t tell Aunt May.’
Arguably, Stark then transported Parker internationally without Aunt May’s explicit consent, potentially violating human trafficking laws.
Human trafficking can include transporting minors through deceptive means for exploitation purposes (like fighting a group of seasoned heroes and a witch?).
Additionally, Stark misrepresented the situation by recruiting Parker under the pretense of an internship at Stark Industries without fully disclosing the risks or obtaining proper guardianship consent.
This deception and the crossing of international borders under false pretenses may also violate international child protection laws and treaties.
Unregistered Explosive Devices
In “Iron Man 3,” Tony Stark undertakes a self-initiated mission to confront the Mandarin at his compound.
As part of this mission, Stark creates improvised explosive devices using everyday materials he purchases, likely from a local store (Home Depot, I guess).
Tony constructs explosive devices that are not registered with any authority.
This act is a direct violation of federal laws, specifically laws that govern the manufacture, possession, and use of explosives.
The law requires that such explosives be registered to ensure safety and regulatory oversight.
The penalty for possessing unregistered explosives can be severe, including up to 10 years in federal prison.
Negligent Discharge of a Weapon
Tony Stark escalates his vendetta against the Mandarin by illegally infiltrating his Miami compound.
This act of jumping the fence and entering with intent to confront constitutes first-degree burglary in Florida, a serious offense.
Such a crime could lead to penalties including up to $10,000 in fines and 30 years in prison.
Stark’s situation worsens as he not only breaks in but also assaults an occupant and causes extensive property damage with explosives, likely surpassing $1,000.
Just Being The “Iron Man”
Tony Stark’s operation of the Iron Man suits, equipped with military-grade weaponry, potentially violates arms control laws.
These advanced exoskeletons, capable of massive destruction, likely require oversight under the National Firearms Act and Gun Control Acts, due to their powerful armaments.
Unregistered, these suits pose a severe legal risk, with possible penalties including hefty fines and imprisonment.
Additionally, their uncontrolled use in public or government-regulated spaces might prompt civil or criminal actions, including government seizure.
The suits’ flying capabilities also likely require Federal Aviation Administration compliance, especially near populated areas or airports.
The frequent use of these suits in public incidents raises serious public safety and legal accountability concerns for damages and injuries incurred.
So, what do you guys think? “Guilty” or “Not Guilty”? Share with us!