In what circumstances or situation would you be in favor of a vigilante?

Only if law enforcement had completely broken down or the legal system totally corrupted. This does not include self defense or defense of property, loved ones or “good Samaritan” intervention (that’s not vigilantism). A major problem with vigilantes is they’re not publicly accountable, no checks or balances; enforcing their own concept of justice. A “Judge Dredd” nightmare scenario.

@stranger_in_a_strange_land Thank you for your answer sir. I agree very valid points.

Another question for you. You say if law enforcement and the legal system was totally corrupt would people native or possibly just a citizen of that place would be fair to be a vigilante in your opinion?

What place is currently in this state that you would deem ok for vigilante(s)?

I would say nowhere in the US, Canada or western Europe would vigilantism be justified. These places have functioning justice systems.

If a vigilante system were to be necessary, it should be arranged along lines that mimic an official justice system. No rogue individual “justice”. Some form of trial. Vigilantes are also limited as to the kind of punishments they can impose; basically violence or forced restitution. They don’t have the option of prison terms, probation or community service. In less developed areas where vigilante justice is common, the vigilantes often attack the offenders family, which is totally wrong.

Another problem with vigilantism is that they don’t know when to stop. The line between justice and personal emnity gets blurred and eventually disappears. Other groups try to enforce the tenets of their religious beliefs on non-believers, equally wrong.

If the loved one of someone is truly harmed or killed, and there was some egregious failure in our judicial system, I’d be okay if someone took that one person out. I’m not saying it’s right, but I understand and I wouldn’t be too quick to penalize.

A friend of mine who is a police officer tells me that they can’t be everywhere…hint ,hint, wink, wink.

If they stole from the rich and gave to the poor (ehm, me).

If I were to break the law or become violent, it would be to survive, and not to rectify some issue I perceive to have been neglected by justice.

Convicted child molesters, violent rapists and torturers, I’m fine with anyone taking them out but I can’t think of any vengeance target right now.

Self defense is one thing, vigilantism is an entirely different matter.

I would never support vigilantism… ever! Even if there was a breakdown of society in general, there would still be the capacity for local control and local justice.