Weapon Law & Legal Definition

A weapon is defined under various federal, state, and local laws, which vary by jurisdiction. A weapon is generally something used to injure, defeat, or destroy and may cover many types of instruments, such as a blackjack, slingshot, billy, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, pistol, revolver, or any other firearm, razor with an unguarded blade, and any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used in a club, smong others.

The following is an example of a municipal definition of a dangerous weapon:

"Section 13.68.010 Dangerous weapon--Defined.

As used in this chapter, "dangerous weapon" means and includes, but is not limited to:

1. Any knife having a blade three inches or more in length, or any snap-blade or spring-blade knife regardless of the length of the blade;
2. Any ice pick or similar sharp stabbing tool;
3. Any straight edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle;
4. Any cutting, stabbing or bludgeoning weapon or device capable of inflicting grievous bodily harm;
5. Any dirk or dagger or bludgeon;
6. Any "taser public defender" or other similar electronic immobilizer which causes, by means of an electrical current, a person to experience muscle spasms and extreme pain, followed by unconsciousness. (Ord. 4814-NS § 1, 1975: Ord. 2881-NS § 1, 1947)"

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