The police cannot be everywheres and with the type of punishment handed out by the courts, especially with "young offenders" why shouldn't we be able to take back our neighborhoods and feel safeto walk the streets again. Maybe if some of these criminals realized that real punishment was going to be dealt out to them maybe they wouldn't do the crime.
2007-07-26 08:09:38 · 11 answers · asked by homer j. 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I never knew why people in heavily laden gang areas don't secretly take out a few gang members here and there or form a vigilante mob and take all of them out. It not like ordinary citizens go marking themselves with bull's eyes like bandannas or M13(?) tattoos. It would be pretty easy to be covert.
2007-07-26 08:21:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on whether you respect the concept of the rule of law.
If you believe in the fact that there should be laws which everyone is required to follow, then vigilantes are bad because they directly contradict the goal -- consistent govt enforcement of laws that apply to everyone.
However, it's just as valid to advocate that we do away with govt police, do away with govt-mandated laws, and have popular opinion and vigilante force used to resolve all issues.
But your theory that the prospect of retribution or punishment -- either govt-sentences or vigilante justice -- would deter crime is not supported by history. The more we allow vigilante justice, the more powerful criminal organizations become, because they can control who has access to what weapons.
2007-07-26 15:16:05 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read "The Ox Bow Incident", or rent the movie. That should answer any questions you have about vigilantism. By taking the law into your own hands, you are just as bad as the people you want to punish for breaking the law.
2007-07-26 15:36:36 · answer #3 · answered by lcmcpa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vigilanteism: done violently and summarily, without recourse to lawful procedures: vigilante justice.
I think you're confusing vigilanteism with protecting oneself and family. A neighborhood watch, of sorts.
I believe that we should not rely on others for our safety. Do (almost) whatever it takes to protect our families from crime. Learn self defense; arm yourself with knowledge; get a doberman pinscer, a tazer, numchuks. Don't wait for the police, because they are always too late.
If you have gang activity in your neighborhood take notes, pictures, videos to provide to the police so they CAN get them off the streets. Todays criminals have access to scanners, better weapons and body armor than police do, and seem, at times, to be smarter than the law. Become ACTIVE in your defense of your self, property, and family.
Establish a neighborhood watch with others who are concerned about drugs, shootings, criminal activity in your area. Take turns doing surveillance, taking notes (with dates and times), pictures, anything that can be used in court to make a case against these criminals. When society bans together to do this than criminals will believe that there is no where for them to hide. That EVERYONE is watching them. They rule with fear and believe they are above the law.
The police may know what's happening, but no one can be prosecuted without evidence.
2007-07-26 15:43:44 · answer #4 · answered by mysticgraystar 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the problem with it is the danger of innocent people being killed because of vigilantes fueled by rage and bigotry. when we have people living in communities that value the don't snitch bull mentality it might wind up becoming a problem as gangbangers and criminals continue to be able to operate knowing people are afraid to speak against them. we also live in a culture that worships the criminal and reviles the law, and we only have ourselves to blame for not overhauling the system so that we can have faith in it.
2007-07-26 15:16:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "justice" system blew any public respect out its butt with the supreme ct decision giving the presidency to mr. bush, go ahead, do whatever you like, the courts are corrupt.
2007-07-26 15:12:20 · answer #6 · answered by jxt299 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bad i therory as taking law into own hands but i think as the police just arnt around to help us any more i dont really think people have much choice we have to feel safe somhow.
2007-07-26 15:12:33 · answer #7 · answered by caz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can i mean ive always wished there was a real superhero out there who would fight crime without powers, surprisingly no one has ever tried that really, most likely because theyd get arrested too, but its worth a shot, it would be really cool
2007-07-26 15:12:14 · answer #8 · answered by Papa Johnathan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand your frustrations and have felt them myself! However, what you propose is not only dangerous and frightening, it's against the law.
For me law is the trump card, so I must say it's BAD!!!!
2007-07-26 15:14:53 · answer #9 · answered by Music Seawater 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give someone the permission to shoot me because they thought I was doing something illegal - no thanks.
2007-07-26 15:12:42 · answer #10 · answered by Debbie G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋