![]() What evidence did exist as to the unique dangers of switchblades at the time bans were imposed appears to have been anecdotal. The second theory he posed is that if knives are more prevalent, would-be criminals turn instead to guns so as to be more heavily armed than someone who might be legally carrying a knife. He wrote that there are two possible explanations, including that there may be no relationship between legalization of switchblades and their use in crimes. When Clark studied three states that legalized switchblades after previously banning them, his preliminary results showed “an overall decrease in the percentage of crimes committed with knives.” “There is no evidence whatsoever that banning switchblades reduces crime,” Clark said, adding that there was “very little empirical research” in the 1950s and ‘60s that went into banning them. In the switchblade article, published in the Connecticut Public Interest Law Journal, he endeavored to determine whether there was a correlation between crime rates and bans. “Attitudes about switchblades were more formed by Hollywood depictions than real life.”Ĭlark has authored several articles on what he describes as “obscure areas” of the law, including bans on bayonets and switchblades. “Movies in the ‘50s always made the bad guy have a switchblade, so switchblades became synonymous with bad guys,” said Paul Clark, a New Jersey attorney and professor of philosophy and legal theory at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City. Why did lawmakers enact the bans? And why did they consider switchblades so dangerous? The state defines switchblades as knives with blades 2 inches or longer that open automatically by the flick of a button, flip of the wrist, pressure on the handle or by gravity. ![]() That includes California’s ban, which was adopted in 1957. Most bans on switchblades, both at the federal and state levels, were put in place in the 1950s. “There are clear limits on what is allowed, and what is not allowed, to be prohibited.” History of switchblade bans “Now we have a very clear decision from the Supreme Court regarding possessing and carrying of arms for self-defense,” Ritter said. Bruen, which he said “set the table” for such actions. Doug Ritter, the founder, chairman and CEO of Knife Rights, said it was “certainly no coincidence” that his group and the other plaintiffs brought this legal challenge after the ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v.
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