I am not suggesting a registration of all firearms to their owners is
going to prevent every nutcase from shooting someone. However, it may
help in terms of keeping track of who has what and what happens to the
guns if they get rid of them.
Actually, in this case, the guy *was* on the radar screen because of the
harassment case and his lawsuit. It's in the court records.
One of the questions on the form you fill out for a permit or renewal in
Massachusetts is:
“Have you ever *appeared* in any criminal court as a defendant for any
criminal offense or criminal traffic offense (excluding non-criminal
traffic offenses)?”
Note "appeared". Even the police department website points
this out. It doesn't say "arrested" or found guilty. It says "appeared".
You could have had the charges dismissed or found not guilty however
you are required to answer honestly and they check. An "appearance" may
not cause you to not get the permit or renewal however not answering
the question honestly *will* according the the Police Department
instructions.
How would you appear as a defendant in criminal court without an arrest?
Because they're not that interested in whether you were arrested. They
are interested in whether you went to court. If you were arrested, the
charges could be dropped before you went to court.