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Firearm (statutory definition)

Definition

A lethal barrelled weapon from which any shot, bullet, or other missile can be discharged. Each jurisdiction sets its own definition; the Indian Arms Act, the US Gun Control Act, and the UK Firearms Act 1968 each enumerate features that bring an item within or outside the statutory category. The examiner must apply the relevant definition, not colloquial usage.

Related terms

Chain of custody
The documented chronological record of who collected, handled, transferred, and examined a piece of evidence. For digital evidence, chain of custody includes...
Explosive (statutory definition)
A substance used or manufactured with the intent to produce a practical effect by explosion or pyrotechnic effect. Indian law uses the...
Legal element
Each component of an offence that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt. For a firearms possession offence, elements typically include: the...
Operability
The capacity of a weapon to discharge a projectile using the action as designed or with minor repair. Operability is a legal...
Prohibited bore / section 5 weapon
In India, a 'prohibited bore' is a firearm above 0.32 calibre or a revolver above 0.455 calibre, defined in the Arms Rules....

Explained in

  • Arms, Explosives and Firearms LawA lethal barrelled weapon from which any shot, bullet, or other missile can be discharged. Each jurisdiction sets its own definition; the Indian Arms Act, the...

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