What is a nonlethal weapon?

• A. a weapon designed to cause death or great bodily harm.
• B. a weapon designed not to cause death or great bodily harm.
• C. a weapon that is used with lethal intent.
• D. a device that immobilizes permanently.

Answer: (B)

Nonlethal weapons are designed to incapacitate or deter an aggressor without causing death or great bodily harm. The best description here matches that purpose by portraying a tool whose aim is to avoid killing and serious injury. In practice, this includes devices like pepper spray, stun devices, and other restraint or immobilization tools used to gain control without lethal outcomes. The other descriptions describe lethal intent or outcomes, or permanent immobilization, which goes beyond what nonlethal means. So, a weapon designed not to cause death or great bodily harm best captures the concept of nonlethal.