[Blank firearms--an underestimated weapon class. Dangerousness, mechanical effect and legal classification]

The dangers posed to individuals by blank-cartridge guns are frequently underestimated by German courts. A description is given to the effects, specific dangers and typical consequences of injuries caused by the use of these weapons, inclusion of blank guns in the catalogue of terms applying to weapons law and penal law as well as individual questions of penal decisions regarding their use against man. The paper comes to the conclusion that it is hardly possible to doubt any more the not insignificant probability and objective foreseeability of severe or even fatal injuries when blank guns are used against people.