New York legal term
Chemical weapon in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Chemical weapon” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Chemical weapon” mean in New York criminal law?
"Chemical weapon" means the following, together or separately: (a) a toxic chemical or its precursors; (b) a munition or device specifically designed to cause death or other harm through the toxic properties of a toxic chemical or its precursors, which would be released as a result of the employment of such munition or device; (c) any equipment specifically designed for use directly in connection with the employment of munitions or devices; or (d) any device that is designed to release radiation or radioactivity at a level dangerous to human life. 11. (N.Y. Penal Law § 490.05)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Criminal possession of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the first degree
- Criminal possession of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the second degree
- Criminal possession of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the third degree
- Criminal use of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the first degree
- Criminal use of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the second degree
- Criminal use of a chemical weapon or biological weapon in the third degree
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.