Man's conviction overturned for carrying baton

BOSTON -- Massachusetts law lists a blackjack as a dangerous weapon, but does not specifically mention an expandable baton.

That distinction has prompted the state's highest court to overturn a man's conviction for carrying a dangerous weapon.

The Supreme Judicial Court ruled Wednesday that Ami Perry's conviction is invalid because he was charged with carrying a blackjack, a short, leather-covered club with a heavy head. Actually, Perry was carrying an expandable baton, a similar weapon that is not listed in the law.

The court said the law identifies a number of specific weapons that are prohibited, and in some cases describes similar weapons that are also prohibited. But the law lists blackjack only and does not list similar weapons such as batons.

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