Other "weapons"?

[AMSting]

I know TN does not have an automatic "must inform" provision if stopped by a LEO.  Obviously if you are asked if there are any weapons in the vehicle, you must answer truthfully.  My question is about what else (than a handgun, for example) constitutes a weapon.  Is a pocket knife a weapon?  If not, is it because of blade length?   What about pepper spray?

[Oh Shoot]

I know TN does not have an automatic "must inform" provision if stopped by a LEO.  Obviously if you are asked if there are any weapons in the vehicle, you must answer truthfully.  My question is about what else (than a handgun, for example) constitutes a weapon.  Is a pocket knife a weapon?  If not, is it because of blade length?   What about pepper spray?

 

Have never found any definition of "weapon" in TCA, only "deadly weapon":

 

""Deadly weapon" means:

-  A firearm or anything manifestly designed, made or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious bodily injury; or

- Anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury;"

 

Obviously, a wide variety of things can be used as a deadly weapon "in the manner of its use" (including the vehicle itself), but if LEO asks about "firearm" or "weapons"  pretty clear I'd mention any firearms. If asked about "other weapons", I'd say no, myself.

 

- OS

Edited August 25, 2013 by Oh Shoot

[EMTRN]

My TCA book is in my work bag, but you can look up TCA 39-17-1302 and 39-17-1307. These define weapons. The first one is things like NFA weapons, and the second talks about knives over 4 inches, etc.

[Oh Shoot]

My TCA book is in my work bag, but you can look up TCA 39-17-1302 and 39-17-1307. These define weapons. The first one is things like NFA weapons, and the second talks about knives over 4 inches, etc.

 

Well, I wouldn't say they define them, only list some you can't possess or carry without an exception or defense.

 

And of course the same object can be a prohibited weapon or not a weapon at all.  Like a baseball bat or machete.

 

- OS

Edited August 25, 2013 by Oh Shoot

[tnhawk]

If asked by an officer, I would not offer to call any tool or object as a weapon unless it's primary design purpose was use of deadly force.

Edited August 25, 2013 by tnhawk

[Fallguy]

I know TN does not have an automatic "must inform" provision if stopped by a LEO.  Obviously if you are asked if there are any weapons in the vehicle, you must answer truthfully.  My question is about what else (than a handgun, for example) constitutes a weapon.  Is a pocket knife a weapon?  If not, is it because of blade length?   What about pepper spray?

 

Not trying to start anything, but you don't "have" to answer, but I agree if  you do answer it should be truthfully. 

 

As far as what s/he means by "weapon" that is about as broad as it is long in practicality. I mean a baseball bat is just a baseball bat until it is used as a "club" to bludgeon someone.