What is a deadly weapon under section 245, subdivision (a)(1) of the California Code of Civil Procedure?

A deadly weapon under section 245, subdivision (a)(1) is any object, instrument, or weapon employed in a manner capable of causing death or great bodily injury. Objects such as dirks and blackjacks have been found to be deadly weapons as a matter of law because their ordinary use establishes their nature as such. Other objects, although not deadly per se, can be used in a manner likely to produce death or great bodily injury. In determining if an object not inherently deadly or dangerous is employed in such a manner, the trier of fact may consider the nature of the object, the manner in which it was used, and any other facts relevant to the issue. (People v. Perez (2018) 4 Cal.5th 1055, 1065, citing People v. Aguilar (1997) 16 Cal.4th 1023, 1028-1029.)