[jessduntno]

I answered no because a master key would not be consistent with the law. A key fitted for that specific lock...if it turns out to be a master, that is up to the locksmith...call it what you want...is all that can be ordered. I have never said differently. I’m sorry for your confusion, but I have no part in it.

The warrant would need to be specific to the lock in question. I would have been misspeaking if I said yes, but don’t believe I did. That could be an option to the locksmith if the order was simply to open the specific door. His choice of mechanism may be left to his discretion.

[D-fendr]

Thanks for your reply and patience.

I think this may be the crux of the argument:

>>>His choice of mechanism may be left to his discretion.

What if the locksmith (assume he’s being truthful) says, “We built it so there was no key that isn’t under the power of the buyer - as we promised them. The only mechanism conceivable is to build a master key that will work on all locks.”

[Ken H]

I answered no because a master key would not be consistent with the law.

Apple says it can't make a 'key' for just this one phone. It would necessarily be a master key for all the later i-phones.

Is it your argument that Apple is incorrect on that point?

Suppose Apple is correct in what they say. Do you think the govt can legitimately order them to manufacture such a master key?