A dangerous weapon in Rhode Island assault law includes any instrument capable of causing serious bodily injury or death when used as a weapon. Firearms, knives, baseball bats, hammers, brass knuckles, and other classic weapons are obvious examples. Less obvious examples include vehicles (when driven at a person), bottles, rocks, dogs (trained to attack), and even objects normally harmless when used in a threatening manner. The prosecution must prove both that the object was used as a weapon and that it was capable of producing serious harm given how it was used.
