Cold arms in the modern classification of hand weapons

The article considers the issues related to a special place of cold arms in the classification of modern weapons in terms of forensic science. The author considers different approaches to separation of such weapons from other types of weapons. The features of various types of weapons, which main energy source is muscular (“biochemical”) force, are specified. The characteristics which help to distinguish the cold arms from various types of other missile weapons are defined. The analysis of definitions of cold arms and missile weapons available in the Federal Law “On Weapons” is conducted. The classification of such weapons is suggested.