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Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act

Commencement: 23 September 1969

LAWS OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
REVISED EDITION 1988

CHAPTER 54

RESTRICTION OF OFFENSIVE WEAPONS

JR 3 of 1969

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

SECTION

1. Interpretation
2. Prohibition of the carrying of offensive weapons
3. Prohibition of the supply of offensive weapons
4. Prohibition on the import of offensive weapons
5. Confiscation

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RESTRICTION OF OFFENSIVE WEAPONS

To control the use and supply of offensive weapons.

INTERPRETATION

1. For the purposes of this Act the following expressions shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them -
   

"flick knife" means any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife;

"gravity knife" means any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force and which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device;

"knuckle-duster" means any solid contraption designed or adapted to be gripped in the fist and equipped with any projection or flat striking surface peculiarly adapted for causing injury to the person:

Provided that the said expression shall not include any ring which is a bona fide signet or marriage ring or to any ring the projection of which consists of a precious or semi-precious stone or stones or other ornamental object;

"offensive weapon" means any flick knife, gravity knife and knuckle-duster;

"public place" means any highway and any other premises or place to which at the material time the public have or are permitted to have access whether on payment or otherwise.

PROHIBITION OF THE CARRYING OF OFFENSIVE WEAPONS

2. Any person who without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, the proof whereof shall lie on him, has with him in any public place any offensive weapon shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction thereof shall be liable to a fine not exceeding VT50,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding I year or to both such fine and imprisonment.
   

PROHIBITION OF THE SUPPLY OF OFFENSIVE WEAPONS

3. Any person who manufactures, sells or hires or offers for sale or hire or exposes or has in his possession for the purpose of sale or hire or lends or gives to any other person an offensive weapon shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction thereof shall be liable to a fine not exceeding VT100,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
   

PROHIBITION ON THE IMPORT OF OFFENSIVE WEAPONS

4. Any person who imports into Vanuatu any offensive weapon shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction thereof shall be liable to a fine not exceeding VT100,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
   

CONFISCATION

5. Where any person is convicted of an offence against sections 2, 3 or 4 the court may make an order for the confiscation of any weapon in respect of which the offence was committed.
   

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