Vigilantes -

Sperglord Dante

Useless Guato
kiwifarms.net
They are appealing and even seemingly necessary in times of need, but they are always bad on the long run.

The reason why societies developed complex (perhaps too complex) legal systems is because individual perceptions of "justice" vary too much. For example, most of us believe the use of lethal force to stop violent crime is justifiable, but what if an eco-friendly vigilante thinks littering warrants death? In his view his actions are just, but we obviously can't spastics like him go around killing people.
 
I

IV 445

Guest
kiwifarms.net
There used to be a lot of vigilante justice in the past. For example, your stereotypical Mr. Ewel from to kill a mockingbird. Local drunk, beats his wife his kids anybody weaker than him, scummier than scum.
One night the wife just decides enough and uses her kitchen knife to stick the pig. Police show up, aware of the guy’s reputation, “forget” to press charges, misfile some paper work on purpose, let some things just get passed along....ho hum....

Another example today was the illegal alien who was caught in the act, raping a kid. Father sees this, beats the tard to death with his bare hands. Police show up, do the bare minimum and just let it fall through the cracks.

Not sure where I’m going with this I’m tired

I will say this. My commie lawyer friend absolutely hates vigilantes. That’s a pretty good reason to give them a second look IMO
 
Vigilantes would be awesome if they were like The Punisher or something, where they target only guilty-as-fuck people and people that actually make the world a worse place and whose death can solve something. See: corrupt politicians and people in positions of power who are otherwise untouchable.

Unfortunately the reality seems more often to be gangs of people killing some poor fuck that may or may not have stolen a pie or something stupid like that, or someone who was only accused of a crime.
 

The Shadow

Charming rogue
kiwifarms.net
How vigilantes look in movies:

How vigilantes look in "reality":

I think they are best left to fiction.
I think you have "vigilantes" confused with "bounty hunters"- typically licensed individuals that bring in parole violators and the like.

Now on to my own thoughts- although I have a fictional vigilante that gleefully guns down sharpsters, lawbreakers, and criminals while cackling maniacally as my Farms handle, I generally think law should be carried out through official legal channels. Innocent until proven guilty, evidence of a crime needed to convict, but- harsh sentences for those convicted of major crimes. Generally speaking, vigilantism is hard to square with being actual justice, since justice should contribute to social order being maintained. Vigilantism is violence without due process and social order, which makes it a part of the same chaos as crime itself.

On the other hand, I know there are circumstances where I would look the other way for a vigilante.
 

Bassomatic

True & Honest Fan
kiwifarms.net
Always a case by case.

Sadly most vigilantes are well just basic criminals, or more so really, criminals committing crimes towards others. Now I know that sounds like well duh, but I mean along the lines of mob war or drug dealers turf battling etc. Someone stealing a bag of weed off you and kicking their ass. Stuff like that.

Most of those acts could be stopped by the offended party not being a criminal themselves. You don't have to hold your block down if you aren't selling drugs.

But in the cases of failed courts it's a bigger grey area. I think say someone like the Goldman Family if OJ fell down a flight of stairs or 4 after the court case. Well, we all strive and hope for a proper legal system and most choose to follow accept and obey it but that I think more so people would turn a blind eye.

I think a case where it was clearly justified is that old story that shows up every Xmas about the junkie robbing toys for tots in front of some Marines and he "fell" breaking 6 ribs and a leg. Good. Petty theft charge at worst and maybe a fine? Stealing from needy/homeless kids is about as low as it gets and sadly our system has no way to punish it differently than lifting a few batteries from wal mart.

As mentioned before, often the legal system it self falls victim towards vigilantes because there's no perfect system and a "crime" was committed even if justified by the court of popular opinion/society.

I leave with a question, love or hate sanctuary cities are a form of vigilatism yes or no?
 
Top