Commonwealth v. Alem A.
81 Mass. App. Ct. 1101 (2011)
Though Heller was applied to knives in Massachusetts, double-edged knives can still be restricted by law.
What knife laws (statutory law) mean is about more than the legislated law in the United States. Judicial opinions (case law, common law or judicial precedent) are considered "law" with the same force as statutes. Here are pertinent case law summaries that provide helpful information on how knife laws in different states have been handled or decided by the court system. We include valuable notes for the knife owner. For attorneys representing knife issues we offer suggestions from an experienced criminal lawyer.
California Court of Appeals Case Summary
People v. Mitchell
209 Cal. App. 1364 (Cal. Ct. App., decided October 11, 2012)
California’s concealed carry knife law does not require an intent to conceal or intent to harm.
California Supreme Court Case Summary
People v. Rubalcava
23 Cal. 4th 322 (2000)
The prohibited weapons statute is a general intent crime and does not require an intent to harm.
Utah Supreme Court Case Summary
Salt Lake City v. Miles
2014 UT 47 (2014)
A knife is not ALWAYS a dangerous weapon under Utah law, courts must analyze how it was used or intended to be used.
California Court of Appeals Case Summary
In re: Luke W
88 Cal. App. 4th 650
A credit card multi-tool knife is not a concealed dagger or dirk knife in California.