Weapon

An instrument of offensive or defensive combat Statutes have been passed in many of the states prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons. They are merely police regulations; State v. Jumel, 13 La. Ann. 399. Under particular statutes it has been held that to constitute the offence locomotion is not necessary, the possession is sufficient; Owen v. State, 31 Ala. 387; even if the weapon is not in perfect order and ready for use; Atwood v. State, 53 Ala. 508; State v. Duzan, 6 Blackf. (Ind.) 31; Gamblin v. State, 45 Miss. 658. Persons on their own premises; Kinkead v. State, 45 Ark. 536; or on a journey (see Traveller); or having good reasons to fear bodily harm; Bell v. State, 89 Ala. 61, 8 South. 133; are exempted from the operation of such statutes; as are officers of the law; Irvine v. State, 18 Tex. App. 51. See Arms; Concealed Weapons. The ordinary implements of war are lawful: swords, fire-arms, and cannon, and even those which are secret or concealed, such as pits and mines. But this does not include poisoned weapons of any kind.

See 2 Oppenheim, Int L. 79.

Great Britain, France, Prussia, Russia, and other nations united in a declaration at St. Petersburg In 1868, by which they agreed to renounce, in case of war among themselves, the employment of any projectile of a weight less than 400 grammes, charged with fulminating or Floating mines were first used in the Russo- Japanese War, 1904. As to permitting their use, see 2 Oppenheim, Int. L. 189.