Is a taser a weapon?

[flatwater_go]

Is a taser considered a weapon?

This is with respect to the two students who were fighting in Omaha and the teacher who tried to end the fight wound up getting "tased".

There was an article about it on thw Omaha World Herald web site, but now it has been pulled.

[Dan W]

In Omaha virtually anything capable of inflicting harm is considered a weapon, But I do believe that a TASER is listed as a stun gun

 http://library5.municode.com/default-test/home.htm?infobase=10945&doc_action=whatsnew


Sec. 20-191.  Definitions.
For the purposes of this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them:
Concealable firearm:  A firearm having a barrel less than 18 inches in length.
Firearm:  Any instrument which releases a projectile by means of an explosive charge.
Machine gun:  Any firearm which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot automatically more than one shot without manual reloading by a single function of the trigger. The term shall also include the frame or receiver of any such weapon, any combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which a machine gun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person.
Paint ball gun:  Any gun which releases a paint ball propelled by spring mechanism or compressed gas.
Stun gun:  Any hand-held electronic device that is powered by an internal power source, such as batteries, and that is capable of introducing an electrical current into the body of a person which when introduced shall be capable of disrupting a person's central nervous system and rendering him/her temporarily incapable of normal functioning. The electrical current may be introduced into the human body by means of direct pressure to the body from fixed electrodes on the electronic device and/or one or more electrodes attached to a length of wire and which, upon being fired from a firearm or mechanical device, strikes the human body.
Weapon:  A firearm, stun gun or any other instrument the use of which is intended or likely to cause death or bodily injury.
(Code 1980, ? 20-191; Ord. No. 36361, ? 1, 8-19-03)
Cross references:  Definitions and rules of construction generally, ? 1-2.

[Ronvandyn]

The TSA considers a taser or a stun gun to be a weapon.  Neither is allowed into the sterile areas of an airport and attempting to bring one in might very well get one arrested by the airport police.  Personally, I would have to consider it a weapon as it is designed to harm someone. 

[bkoenig]

In Omaha virtually anything capable of inflicting harm is considered a weapon

Screwdrivers, zucchini, shoelaces, bare fists.  When will people wake up and realize it's the criminal, not the object, that's the problem. 

I know I'm preaching to the choir here. 

[RLMoeller]

Yes, anything can be a weapon.  Look at what this 9-year old in New York did:

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/02/04/crimesider/entry6173526.shtml

[flatwater_go]

From the KFAB web site:  http://www.kfab.com/pages/localnews.html?feed=122285&article=6739828

Student "Tazes" School Official

Thursday, February 4, 2010   

A 16-year-old Millard South student is expelled, and facing criminal charges after officials say he shocked a school administrator with a taser.

Omaha Police say the student brought the taser to school, knowing he was going to fight with another student.  During a scuffle with the student, the 16-year-old pulled out the taser, and shocked a school official who attempted to break up the fight.

The school administrator didn't suffer any serious injuries.  The teen will be charged with assault, and carrying a concealed weapon.




So, this begs the question: "Is every female who is carrying a Taser for self defense breaking the law?  Or is there some kind of license / permit for a Taser?"