Vigilantism

Vigilantism refers to actions taken by private individuals or groups to enforce perceived laws or norms without official legal authority. Vigilantes typically seek to punish, deter, or deter wrongdoing outside the formal justice system, often claiming that authorities are unable or unwilling to protect the public. Common forms include mob actions, extrajudicial punishments, lynching, or armed patrols that confront suspected criminals. Some communities organize neighborhood watches or self-styled patrols that operate with mixed legality and may rely on citizen arrest powers in some jurisdictions, though voluntary groups generally do not replace law enforcement.

In most legal systems, vigilantism is illegal or unlawful when it involves harming people, detaining suspects without due process, or taking actions beyond authorized self-defense. It raises concerns about due process, the risk of mistaken or biased targeting, and escalations of violence. Proponents argue that vigilantism can deter crime, fill gaps where state capacity is weak, or deliver immediate justice in urgent situations. Critics contend that it undermines the rule of law, causes wrongful punishments, and can inflame social tensions.

Historically, vigilante activity has appeared in many contexts, including frontier regions in the 19th-century United States, anti-crime campaigns, and various anti-colonial or political movements. In modern times, it remains controversial, with debates often focusing on accountability, human rights, and the proper role of civilians in public safety.

Related topics include extrajudicial punishment, lynching, mob violence, self-defense, and the rule of law.