In a recent ruling, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court declared that possession of switchblades is protected by the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The decision was based on a precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court that strengthened protections for possession of weapons. The ruling overturned part of a state statute that prohibited possession of switchblades, stating that the ban violated the Second Amendment.
The case involved David E. Canjura, who was facing charges of possession of a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a household member after being found with a switchblade. Canjura argued that switchblades are considered “arms” and therefore protected under the Second Amendment. The SJC agreed with his argument, stating that the Second Amendment covers more than just firearms.
The ruling highlighted the historical significance of knives in American history, noting that switchblades are similar to the folding pocket knives used by American colonists for both tools and weapons. Justices determined that switchblades are common enough to be categorized as a protected arm, despite the state’s argument that they were dangerous and unusual weapons primarily designed for stabbing.
The court ordered that Canjura’s motion be allowed and cleared him of the dangerous weapon charge. While the ban on switchblades was struck down, the rest of the statute remained intact. The ruling emphasized that switchblades are not uniquely dangerous compared to other weapons used in self-defense, and that the state failed to prove they were more dangerous than manual folding pocket knives.
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