Why does it matter?
While Vigilantism may not affect our lives on a day to day basis, the existence of groups of people or individuals that are able to enforce the law without the proper training or legal responsibility is a day to day reality for people around the world like Niger and the Philippines. Vigilantism ultimately harms people by having law enforcements ability to operate questioned.

Want to know more?

To read the research paper that went along with this project, go to http://jamesbynglsa.weebly.com/proposal-and-paper.html

Special Thank you to my project advisor Ms. Mason, my teacher Mrs. V, my friend Dana for helping with my book, and my friend Abby for keeping me sane

Super Crime: Vigilantism Information

Mexican Vigilantes engage in gunfire with cartel forces

What is Vigilantism?
One of the biggest problems regarding vigilantism is its lack of a clear cut definition. While no legal jurisdiction on a federal or state level has a definition, many have their own definition of vigilantism it can be simplified to simply mean taking legal measures into ones own hands to enforce what the vigilante or a group views as justice.

Is it illegal?
Vigilantism exists in a legal limbo. While the actual action of committing vigilantism is not illegal, a majority of the actions associated with vigilantism including robbery, assault, arson, false imprisonment, and murder are all illegal. Regardless of the reason or intent vigilantes are not prosecuted for being vigilantes rather because they are breaking the law.

Famous vigilantes
Bernhard Goetz: The Subway Vigilante of New York City, Goetz shot at four men who he claimed were attempting to rob him on the New York City Subway. When Goetz turned himself in, he claimed that he was tired of the largely ineffectual New York Police doing nothing to stop the high crime rate.
George Zimmerman: Neighborhood Watch member that fatally shoot Treyvon Martin, Zimmerman was shown in his 911 call that he viewed criminals were getting away with crime to easily.