Vigilante
/ˌvɪdʒɪˈlænti/
Definitions
- (n.) An individual who takes law enforcement into their own hands without legal authority.
The vigilante was arrested for acting outside the boundaries of the law.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Use with care to distinguish vigilante action from lawful self-defense or authorized citizen's arrests.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.