California Supreme Court
In Re David
February 8, 2010223 P.3d 603
Summary
The court held that a cylindrical bicycle footrest carried in a juvenile's pocket did not qualify as "metal knuckles" because it was not worn in or on the hand within the ordinary meaning of the statutory definition. The court relied on the statutory text and legislative history, which showed that the 1984 amendment addressed devices attached to or fitted around the hand rather than objects merely grasped while striking. Because the object did not meet the statutory definition, the court did not reach whether David possessed it with the required criminal intent and reversed the Court of Appeal's judgment.