Outlaws

Outlaws have two primary senses in English-language usage. Historically, in medieval and early modern legal systems, an outlaw was a person who, after failing to appear in court or answer an indictment, was declared outside the protection of the law. An outlaw could be harmed with impunity, and the state would not extend the usual legal protections or aid. This formal status, outlawry, was a procedural remedy that gradually fell into disuse during the 17th through 19th centuries as legal procedures evolved.

In contemporary use, outlaw describes a person or group who operates outside the law, or who is branded as such by public discourse. It is not usually a formal legal status in most countries today, though some jurisdictions still maintain historical terms or designate certain acts, organizations, or regions as outlawed. The term is often applied to criminals, rebel movements, or organized groups such as outlaw motorcycle clubs, but it can also carry cultural or moral overtones rather than a precise legal category.

Outlaws have played a prominent role in culture and folklore. In literature and film, they are depicted as villains, victims, or anti-heroes, and the distinction between outlawry and banditry can blur. Notable historical or legendary figures associated with outlaw status include Robin Hood and, in the American West, real or semi-mythic figures such as Billy the Kid and Jesse James.

Understanding the concept involves noting legal versus moral judgments, the evolution of the rule of law, and the enduring cultural fascination with figures who challenge authority.