Legal Definitions - Vigilantism

Vigilantism

Vigilantism is when individuals or groups take the law into their own hands and act as law enforcement without legal authority. This can include punishing people they believe have committed a crime or enforcing their own version of justice.

• In some parts of the world, people form vigilante groups to fight against crime and corruption. For example, in Mexico, some communities have formed vigilante groups to protect themselves from drug cartels.
• In the United States, there have been cases of individuals taking the law into their own hands, such as the case of George Zimmerman, who shot and killed Trayvon Martin in 2012. Zimmerman claimed self-defense, but many people saw his actions as vigilantism.

These examples illustrate how vigilantism can lead to dangerous situations and undermine the rule of law. While people may feel justified in taking action against criminals or perceived wrongdoers, it is important to remember that only authorized law enforcement officials have the legal authority to enforce the law.