A switch knife is considered by the penal code a __________________.

A switch knife, also known as a switchblade, is categorized as a prohibited weapon under Texas law due to its design and function. Prohibited weapons are items that the law specifically defines as illegal to possess, manufacture, or sell. These classifications often include certain automatic knives, which are designed to open automatically with a push of a button or similar mechanism.

The reasoning behind this categorization stems from concerns about public safety and the potential for misuse. In many jurisdictions, including Texas, the possession of switch knives is restricted because they can be easily concealed and deployed quickly, making them particularly dangerous in various settings, especially in altercations or violent incidents.

While other categories like deadly weapons or legal weapons may seem relevant, a switch knife's designation as a prohibited weapon accurately reflects the Texas Penal Code's stance on items that pose a specific threat to public safety and are thus restricted. Legal weapons would not include items classified as prohibited, and non-lethal weapons do not accurately describe switch blades, as they are considered potentially lethal based on their design.