As used in this chapter—
The term “interstate commerce” means commerce between any State, Territory, possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and any place outside thereof.
The term “switchblade knife” means any knife having a blade which opens automatically—
by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or
by operation of inertia, gravity, or both.
Pub. L. 85–623, § 172 Stat. 562(, , .)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Pub. L. 85–623section 1716 of Title 18This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning , which enacted sections 1241 to 1244 of this title and amended , Crimes and Criminal Procedure.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Pub. L. 85–623, § 672 Stat. 563
section 1716 of Title 18“This Act [enacting this chapter and amending , Crimes and Criminal Procedure] shall take effect on the sixtieth day after the date of its enactment [].”
, , , provided that:
Short Title of 1986 Amendment
Pub. L. 99–570, title X, § 10001100 Stat. 3207–166
section 1245 of this titlesection 1716 of Title 18section 1245 of this title“This title [enacting , amending , Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and enacting provisions set out as a note under ] may be cited as the ‘Ballistic Knife Prohibition Act of 1986’.”
, , , provided that:
Short Title
Pub. L. 85–62372 Stat. 562, , , which enacted this chapter, is popularly known as the “Federal Switchblade Act”.