Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What type of firearm might qualify under the definition of brandishing in public?

1. Only licensed firearms

2. Any recognizable weapon capable of inducing fear

3. Only firearms that are visible

4. Only firearms used in self-defense

The correct answer is: Any recognizable weapon capable of inducing fear

Brandishing is defined as displaying a weapon in a manner that is likely to induce fear or intimidation in others. The correct choice identifies that any recognizable weapon capable of inducing fear fits within this definition. This means that it is not limited to a specific category of firearms or weapons; rather, it encompasses any weapon that is identifiable and can cause a reasonable person to feel threatened or fearful in a public setting. This interpretation of brandishing emphasizes the perception of the weapon rather than the legal status of the firearm, its visibility, or the context in which it is being held (such as self-defense). Therefore, the focus is on the effect the weapon may have on the public, rather than the characteristics of the weapon itself, leading to the conclusion that any weapon that can create fear properly qualifies under this definition.