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Criminal Vigilantism
Vigilantism is much in the news these days.
Depending on the definition you choose, vigilantism may or may not be inherently illegal. Concerned citizens standing in front of a jailhouse to prevent a lynching, as depicted in To Kill a Mockingbird for example, would be performing a completely legal kind of vigilantism by some definitions. Usually, however, the implication of vigilantism, and particularly of “vigilante justice,” is that citizens are taking it upon themselves to act as judge, jury, and, occasionally, executioner in order to impose their idea of justice — and doing so illegally.
Surrounded by tens of supporters, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders announced his candidacy for the White House Tuesday. Though his entry has been rumored for months, the very old, very white socialist shocked observers by delivering the most searing indictment of Obama’s America that has ever been carried on basic cable.