Massachusetts Court Lifts 70-Year Ban on Switchblades, Citing Second Amendment Protections

The Massachusetts Supreme Court has recently reversed a long-standing ban on switchblades, which had been in place since 1957. The court concluded that switchblades qualify as “arms” under the Second Amendment, thereby granting them the same protections as firearms. In the ruling, Justice Serge Georges Jr. noted that folding pocketknives, including switchblades, were in common use and defined as arms according to historical context and dictionary definitions.

The law prohibiting switchblades was challenged by an individual who faced charges after police found a switchblade in his possession during a dispute. The court’s ruling vacated his charge, emphasizing that the law banning switchblades was excessive and did not demonstrate that switchblades are more dangerous than conventional folding knives. Justice Georges pointed out that the unique features of switchblades do not inherently make them a greater danger when compared to other commonly used knives.

Additionally, the justices referenced a Supreme Court decision in 2022 that set a precedent for evaluating modern weapon regulations based on historical context. This recent ruling could have broader implications, as it might influence challenges to similar laws in other states, given that only a few states and Washington D.C. maintain restrictions on switchblade carry. By recognizing knives as legitimate self-defense tools historically used by citizens, the court has opened the door for reevaluating other laws governing weapon ownership.