In most countries, the possession, let alone use, of brass knuckles is illegal. In Canada, brass knuckles or any similar devices are listed as prohibited weapons,[2] and possession of such weapon is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.[3] In France, however, purchase and possession of brass knuckles is legal for 16 year-olds with parental permission, and are freely sold to people of legal age. The French term is 'un coup-de-poing américan', literally 'an American punch'.[4]