Understanding Massachusetts Law on Pocket Knives: Key Facts for Residents

Thedailymiaminews– Massachusetts knife rules have changed a lot, especially for automatic knives. Here’s a summary of the current laws about pocket knives in Massachusetts:

Recent changes in the law.

On August 27, 2024, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court made an important ruling that changed knife rules in the state.

  • The court decided that the ban on switchblade knives goes against the Second Amendment, which gives people the right to bring weapons.
  • This ruling removed the previous rule against automatic knives with blades longer than 1.5 inches.
  • People in Massachusetts can now legally buy, carry, and use automatic knives, like switchblades and OTF (out-the-front) knives.

Current Rules for Pocket Knives

The recent decision has given more freedom regarding knives, but there are still important rules to keep in mind:

  • You can usually carry pocket knives, multitools, and Swiss Army knives legally.
  • In Massachusetts, there are no specific age limits for having legal knives.
  • In Boston, people under 18 are not allowed to buy knives with blades longer than two inches.
  • In Cambridge, it’s against the law to give or lend a lock-back knife to someone who is under 18 years old.

Limited Knives and Their Characteristics

Even with new updates, some types of knives and their features are still not allowed:

  • Stilettos, swords, and ballistic knives are still not allowed.
  • Double-edged knives are not allowed and should not be carried.
  • Any knife made for fighting or protection can be called a “dangerous weapon.”

Rules that apply to certain places.

Some places have rules against carrying knives.

  • Knives are not allowed in schools, from kindergarten to university, unless you have written permission.
  • Government places do not allow knives to be carried.
  • Bringing a “dangerous weapon” to these places can lead to serious consequences.
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Legal Issues to Think About

If you carry a small knife in Massachusetts, remember:

  • There is no national law that prevents local rules, so different areas can have their own regulations.
  • Using a knife to scare someone or to hurt them is against the law.
  • The term “dangerous weapon” can mean different things and could include knives that are used in a harmful way.

Summary

The recent court ruling in Massachusetts has greatly increased knife rights, but it’s important to know that some limits and rules about where knives can be carried still apply. Always think about where and how you will use your pocket knife to make sure you follow local rules.

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