Switchblade Use for Self-Defense Doubted by Ninth Circuit Judges

Ninth Circuit judges eyed the scope of California’s ban on certain switchblade knives in oral arguments Wednesday, questioning the extent to which common use for self-defense must factor into an analysis of Second Amendment protections.

US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit judges were skeptical that switchblade knives are often used for self-defense. Judge Lucy Koh asked whether that’s relevant, suggesting the court may consider instead if arms are typically held—rather than used—for lawful purposes beyond self-defense. Still, the judges appeared receptive to arguments that the weapons are particularly dangerous.

“Why is it not true that the switchblade ...