[Quiet Man Cometh]

A Maglite is a heavy and durable flashlight that you can wack someone over the head with, and not break (the flashlight). It's long as well, like a police baton with a light.

I can see things being unlawful because they are intended to be used as a weapon, but functional things, like the flashlight, can be used instead because it's not something that shows intent to harm someone. In my self defence class people suggest using a key as a weapon if need be, by standing it up between two fingers. I usually just make myself look confident and take note of the best means of escape if thing start to seem off.