Question on context of definition for SF knife codes

Kaizen1

Kaizen1

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Jan 4, 2006
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Hey all, in a recent thread someone posted this city and county code for San Francisco:

City and County of San Francisco Police Code
Sec. 1241 PROHIBITING LOITERING WHILE CARRYING CONCEALED WEAPONS.

(a) As used in this Section, but in no wise limited thereto, "dangerous or deadly weapon" shall mean: any knife with a blade three inches or more in length; any spring-blade, switch-blade, or snap-blade or other similar type knife; any knife any blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device; any ice pick, or similar sharp, stabbing tool; any straight edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle; any cutting, stabbing, bludgeoning weapon or device capable of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person, while carrying concealed upon his person any dangerous or deadly weapon, to loaf or loiter upon any public street, sidewalk, or alley, or to wander about from place to place, with no lawful business thereby to perform, or to hide, lurk, loiter upon or about the premises of another.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person who has concealed upon his person or who has in his immediate physical possession any dangerous or deadly weapon to engage in any fight or to participate in any other rough or disorderly conduct upon any public place or way or upon the premises of another.

(d) It shall be unlawful for any person who has concealed upon his person any dangerous or deadly weapon to loiter about any place where intoxicating liquors are sold or any other place of public resort.

(e) The foregoing restrictions shall not be deemed to prohibit the carrying of ordinary tools or equipment carried in good faith for uses of honest work, trade or business or for the purpose of legitimate recreation.
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My question is on section C about "fighting." Would this mean that I might be violating the code if I get into a fight out of self defense and am in possession of a folder that has a blade longer than 3"? It would suck if I couldn't defend myself or loved ones (legally) just because I happened to be carrying a knife (with a blade >3") that day.

I might have to start looking for a 3" EDC blade now, dammit.

Thanks
 
Cool, thanks MORIMOTOM. Assuming I'm not acting like an ass to the officer, might it still be interpreted otherwise to an officer? In other words, how open to interpretation might this be?
 
Kaizen1 said:
Cool, thanks MORIMOTOM. Assuming I'm not acting like an ass to the officer, might it still be interpreted otherwise to an officer? In other words, how open to interpretation might this be?
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it will be entirely dependent on the specifics of the incident, or the totality of circumstances (in legal speak).

eg, you're at a bar, get in to a verbal argument, then take it outside. that's a mutual combat.

if you are defending yourself or family from an unprovoked attack, you would have to establish the basis for your actions. and i would recommend against using the word "fight" at any time during the conversation, unless that is what it was. being in a fight is a clear indicator of willing participation.

someone who is attacked should only do what is necessary to halt the attack in order to make a valid self defense argument.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
it will be entirely dependent on the specifics of the incident, or the totality of circumstances (in legal speak).

eg, you're at a bar, get in to a verbal argument, then take it outside. that's a mutual combat.

if you are defending yourself or family from an unprovoked attack, you would have to establish the basis for your actions. and i would recommend against using the word "fight" at any time during the conversation, unless that is what it was. being in a fight is a clear indicator of willing participation.

someone who is attacked should only do what is necessary to halt the attack in order to make a valid self defense argument.
Click to expand...

Just what I was looking for. I hate bars. Thanks for all of your help in this forum:thumbup:
 
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