noun a member of a vigilance committee
Vigilantes are individuals who take the law into their own hands to enforce justice outside of the legal system.
Vigilantes may be seen as a form of crime prevention by some, as they seek to stop criminal activity through their own actions.
Historically, vigilantes have been associated with civil rights movements, where individuals took action to protect their communities from discrimination and violence.
In superhero fiction, vigilantes are often portrayed as individuals with extraordinary abilities who fight crime without official authorization.
In literature, vigilantes are often portrayed as characters who take the law into their own hands to seek justice outside of the legal system.
Psychologists may study the motivations and behaviors of vigilantes to understand what drives individuals to take justice into their own hands.
Law enforcement officers may be tasked with apprehending vigilantes who are breaking the law in their pursuit of justice.
Legal analysts may examine the implications of vigilantism on the legal system and debate the ethics of individuals taking the law into their own hands.