New Jersey legal term
Weapon in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Weapon” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New Jersey criminal code.
What does “Weapon” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Weapon" means anything readily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury. (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Hindering apprehension or prosecution
- Implements for escape; other contraband
- Pawnbrokers; loaning on firearms
- Certain persons not to have weapons or ammunition
- Disarming a law enforcement, corrections officer; crime; degrees
- Hindering apprehension or prosecution for terrorism
- Manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of weapons and dangerous instruments and appliances
- Possession of weapons for unlawful purposes
- Sexual assault
- Unlawful possession of weapons
- Weapons; controlled dangerous substances and other offenses, penalties
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.