first person to answer this gets 10 points
2006-07-09 18:56:42 · 9 answers · asked by Mike 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
A katana is a type of Japanese long sword, although the word can also serve as a generic name for any Japanese sword.
As a sword, a katana would be considered a "weapon" or "deadly weapon", depending on the laws of your local jurisdiction, and whether you can carry one is entirely dependent on where you live in the United States and on where you intend to carry it.
Minor children (those under the age of 18) are usually prohibited from possessing weapons except in very specific circumstances defined by statute.
Many states have laws prohibiting the carrying of weapons into specific places, such as hospitals, schools, and public buildings.
Additionally, an owner of private property can prevent anyone carrying a weapon from coming onto his property, or ask you to leave, if he so chooses. Malls, parking lots, and most places of business are private property, so you'll probably be asked to leave if you head over to your local shopping mall with a katana tucked into your belt, and you must leave or face a charge of trespassing. Most states have laws saying that police or other designated persons are specifically allowed to carry weapons, which is why they can come to your door with a .40 caliber handgun holstered at their side.
Touching the sword hilt as if you intend to draw it, even if that was not your specific intent, might be construed as "brandishing" or "assault", again depending on your local laws. Assault is not necessarily actually using a weapon, but creating an expectation that one is about to be the victim of violence. For example, cocking your fist back as if you intend to punch someone is sufficient to create the crime of assault.
A police officer will most likely draw his weapon if he confronts you carrying your katana down the street and if you do not follow his instructions and orders, you will at the least be arrested for failing to comply with a police officer's instructions or resisting arrest, and at worst wind up in the morgue with several bullets in you.
In short, while it may not be illegal to carry a katana, it's probably something best left to samurai in feudal Japan.
2006-07-09 21:54:02 · answer #1 · answered by helloiamchuck 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No! Of course not. One of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles did, so you should be able to also! (It's not easy to conceal a Katana.)
2006-07-10 02:01:25 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Anonymous 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A katana has too long of a blade.
2006-07-10 01:59:48 · answer #3 · answered by natester1188 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, carrying a concealed weapon...
Unless you strap it outside your body, but then the cops will probalby follow you around....
2006-07-10 01:58:56 · answer #4 · answered by pnk517 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, for religious purposes, you can bring one into an airport! You just have to have it in checked baggage.
2006-07-10 02:09:18 · answer #5 · answered by chris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont think its illegal but.. suspicious. plus peopel dotnj have to let u in if u havea sword. and also u will look lik ea complete doofus
u gotta keep it unconcealed tho
2006-07-10 02:01:21 · answer #6 · answered by xirekaj 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't see why, you need to defend your self from shredder and the evil krang. Master Splinter has taught you this.
2006-07-10 02:01:58 · answer #7 · answered by de rak 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah it is even carrying a pocket knife is illegal pending how small the blade is
2006-07-10 02:00:14 · answer #8 · answered by Tommy S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What if its not concealed? I think it depends where you are.
2006-07-10 02:00:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋