1867 Ariz. Sess. Laws 21-22

1867 Ariz. Sess. Laws 21-22

Abstract

This law makes it illegal to display or use deadly weapons in a threatening or aggressive way in front of others unless it is for self-defense, with penalties including fines, jail time, or both. It also prohibits firing guns recklessly in public areas in a way that disturbs the peace or endangers people, with smaller fines and shorter jail terms. Law enforcement officers and even private citizens are required to report and help enforce these rules. Judges and juries must actively ensure violations are investigated and prosecuted, and the law takes effect immediately after being passed.

Summary

This law makes it a crime to display or use deadly weapons like knives or guns in a threatening, rude, or unlawful manner, or to discharge firearms indiscriminately in public streets, with penalties including fines, jail time, or both. It imposes a duty on sheriffs, constables, peace officers, private citizens, grand juries, and judges to enforce the law, investigate offenses, and prosecute violations, ensuring that public safety and order are actively maintained.

Law Text

SECTION 1. That any person in this Territory, having, carrying or procuring from another person, any dirk, dirk knife, bowie knife, pistol, gun, or other deadly weapon, who shall in the presence of two or more persons, draw or exhibit any of said deadly weapons in a rude, angry or threatening manner, not in necessary self defence, or who shall in any manner unlawfully use the same in any fight or quarrel, the person or persons so offending upon conviction thereof in any criminal court less than one hundred nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisonment in the county jail not less than one nor more than six months, in the discretion of the court; or both such fine and imprisonment, together with the cost of prosecution. SEC. 2. That any person or persons having or carrying any pistol or gun who shall in the public streets or highways discharge the same indiscriminately, thereby disturbing the peace and quiet, and endangering the lives of the inhabitants of any town or neighborhood in this Territory, such person or persons upon conviction thereof before any Justice of the Peace in the county where such offence may be committed shall be fined in any sum not less than ten nor more than fifty dollars and imprisonment in the county jail not less than two nor more than ten days, in the discretion of the Justice of the Peace, together with the cost of prosecution. SEC. 3. It shall be the duty of all sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, constables, and all peace officers and private citizens to see that the provisions of section second of this act are enforced, by informing on all persons violating its provisions, by having them arrested and brought before the proper officer for trial and punishment. SEC. 4. It is hereby made the duty of all civil and peace officers in this Territory to be diligent in carrying into effect the provisions of section one of this act, as well also as all grand juries, or grand jurors, to enquire into and make presentment of each and every offence against the provisions of said section one of this act which shall come within their knowledge. And it is also made the duty of all judges in this Territory to give said section one in charge of the grand juries at each term of their respective courts. SEC. 5. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.