Vigilantism {No, Not Like Batman...}

The topic of vigilante justice has always been one that's interested me. The very idea of civilians taking justice into their own hands is somewhat exciting, personally, and I, for one, believe it may not be such a bad thing, done for the right reasons. I'm aware that vigilantism is an expression of anarchism, in that it's actively rebelling against the established order of law, but I find the justice system just isn't able to cut it all the time.

Has anybody else thought about this topic? What do you think?

So tell me, what do you do when you get it wrong?

quote VarietyBlack

It? Get what wrong? (And please don't have some condescending remark; I know the topic is vigilantism, but you were vague and I need clarification.)

I wasn't being vague, I was asking you what would happen when 'mob justice' fails and imprisons, or worse, executes, the wrong person? Who is in charge to decide the severity of any vigilante justice? Are there varying degrees of thievery, or do all thieves lose a hand, regardless of whether they stole a potato or the Crown Jewels?

walnuts, I'm not saying I haven't considered that; I totally agree that that is a realistic possibility, and the very worst-case scenario. I just think sometimes it's necessary to take action, instead of sitting around waiting for "due process". If you had a child, and they were raped or murdered - or a wife or girlfriend - would you want to sit around until the police could crack the case? I think not. I use the same reasoning, Axe.

quote walnuts

Justice should never be based on emotion.

I agree with this completely, and I didn't mean to make it seem like I was playing ventriloquist; I put the "I think not" because it was my thought, not my belief in you. If I offended, I apologize. I will concede the justice system has the right tools to perform the job, but tools can be used incorrectly, mistakes can be made, or the problem could just be overlooked. These things happen all the time. I just believe there is nothing wrong in taking personal responsibility, instead of relying on the potentially capable justice system.

I think it should be left to the police, no matter how useless they may or may not be. I just don't think letting anyone fight crime is a good thing.

But this is a great topic, thanks for posting the thread. ^^

Oftentimes I think the criminal justice system is too easy on some people. There are many who I think should be killed rather than given a few years in prison, then released. This is not to say, however, that I think the people should serve as a court or take the law into their hands whenever it pleases them. The court system was created for the sole reason of providing justice fairly where people would be irrational, to prevent unjust deaths and such.

Vigilantism is intriguing to me, to say the least. I have always wanted the power to take the law into my own hands, I often think hat the criminal justice system nowadays is stupid and weak; that's one of the reasons I take self-defense so seriously. I think if you or anyone around you is in danger of losing your life, you should be able to kill the aggressor to save lives. No if's, and's, or but's. But being a vigilante and going out of your way to serve justice is completely different. While it sounds like a noble cause, it may not be safe for one person to hold such judiciary power.

How is it not like Batman? It's exactly like Batman.

quote Poketrainer_Jay

Ok, I'll Admit it.

I. Am. Gligar Man.

You're the hero Unova deserves, but not the one it needs right now.