Legal Definitions - Vigilante justice

Definition: Vigilante justice refers to actions taken by individuals or groups who believe they are enforcing the law, but lack the legal authority to do so. This can include violent or aggressive behavior towards those perceived as criminals or wrongdoers.

For example, a group of citizens may take it upon themselves to patrol their neighborhood and confront individuals they believe are committing crimes. This can lead to dangerous situations and can escalate into violence.

Vigilante justice can also refer to a general state of lawlessness, where multiple groups or individuals are all attempting to enforce their own version of justice. This can lead to chaos and a breakdown of the legal system.

Overall, vigilante justice is not a safe or effective way to enforce the law. It can lead to harm to innocent individuals and can undermine the authority of the legal system.