Which statement best describes the element 'carry on or about the person' for a concealed weapon offense?

• A. It is carried on or about the person and readily accessible for use.
• B. It is carried on or about the person and hidden from common observation.
• C. It is not required to be carried on or about the person.
• D. It is limited to firearms designed to propel projectiles.

Answer: (B)

Concealment plus proximity to the person means the weapon is kept on the body or in a location immediately with the person and not visible to others. For a concealed weapon offense, the crucial elements are that the weapon is carried on or about the person and hidden from ordinary observation. Being on the person ensures you’re not just carrying it somewhere else, and hiding it ensures it isn’t readily seen by casual observers. This combination distinguishes concealed carrying from openly carrying or carrying in a way that makes the weapon readily accessible for use. The other statements miss the concealment requirement, or the proximity element, or both, and thus don’t describe the concealed weapon offense accurately.