Which statement best defines a deadly weapon?

• A. A kitchen utensil
• B. A firearms or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious bodily injury; or anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury
• C. A nonlethal device
• D. A piece of paper

Answer: (B)

A deadly weapon is defined by two ideas: items that are designed or adapted to cause death or serious bodily injury, and items that, regardless of design, can cause death or serious bodily injury based on how they’re used or intended use. That’s why a firearm is clearly a deadly weapon, and why something not designed for harm can still be deadly if used to kill or seriously injure someone.

A kitchen utensil isn’t automatically a deadly weapon because its ordinary design is for cooking, not harming. It could become one if used in a way that can cause death or serious injury. A nonlethal device, by definition, isn’t considered deadly. A piece of paper also isn’t. The best statement captures both the design/adaptation aspect and the potential harm from its use.