Laws on crossbows (original) (raw)

The crossbow often has a complicated legal status due to its potential use for lethal purposes, and its similarities with both firearms and other archery weapons. The crossbow is, for legal purposes, often categorized as a firearm by various legal jurisdictions (even though it is not considered as a firearm from a technical perspective), despite the fact that no combustion is required to propel the projectile. This is a list of laws concerning crossbows by country. Some jurisdictions require permits and background checks similar to those required for firearms.