It is common for state statutes involving crimes committed while using a “deadly weapon” or a “dangerous weapon” to specify certain kinds of weapons (pistol, rifle, long knife, and so forth) and leave it to courts to determine when other instruments qualify as “deadly or dangerous” weapons. Is a BB gun a “deadly weapon”? How did the court answer that in People v. Ackah- Essien, 874 N.W.2d 172 (Mich. App. 2015)? Is that the right answer?
