A Massachusetts police chief’s decision to deny a resident’s license to carry firearms has been reinstated by the state’s Appeals Court, reversing prior court rulings that had supported the resident’s application. Police Chief Kenneth Paulhus denied Paul Dwiggins a Class A license in September 2020, citing significant police engagements relating to domestic violence and mental health crises involving family members, including over 80 reported incidents over 14 years.
In their ruling, the Appeals Court underscored that Dwiggins had been involved in at least one incident of domestic violence, highlighting the potential risks of allowing firearms in his home, which included instances of substance abuse. While one justice dissented, arguing the unsuitability determination should not rely on others’ behaviors, the majority emphasized the importance of public safety amid a history of instability in the household. This case raises critical discussions on the criteria used for firearm licensing in contexts of domestic environments.
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