Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice; College of Arts & Sciences
First Advisor
Ana Maria Garcia
Second Advisor
Favian Martin
Abstract
Vigilantism is one of the oldest practices of mankind; for as long as there have been moral and legal laws to govern us and live by, there have been individuals who have sought justice outside these systems. Vigilantism is the response to failures in the justice system, and in the United States in particular, we have seen examples from the Western Frontier to the modern-day digital landscape. This paper will explore the nature of vigilante justice through historical, psychological, media-driven, legal, and digital lenses. We will explore how cultural narratives, media influences, government actions, and psychological motivations have shaped the perception of vigilante justice through theoretical frameworks like “General Strain Theory,” “Deterrence Theory,” and “Moral Panic Theory.”. Legal ambiguities and gray areas surrounding hot-button issues like self-defense and racial bias complicate and highlight ethical concerns surrounding acts of extralegal justice. Additionally, in the modern age, acts like digital vigilantism raise a number of new and unforeseen concerns regarding online activism, privacy, and accountability. By synthesizing these perspectives, this paper will discuss the underlying need for legal clarity regarding these cases, the need for media responsibility, and institutional reform that must address the causes and the dire consequences of vigilante justice in modern American society.
Recommended Citation
Preyer, Liam C., "An Eye for an Eye Makes a Vigilant Society" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 2.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2026/soc_anth_cj/2
Included in
Criminal Law Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, First Amendment Commons, Government Contracts Commons, Internet Law Commons, Law and Philosophy Commons, Law and Politics Commons, Law and Psychology Commons, Law and Race Commons, Law and Society Commons, Natural Law Commons, Rule of Law Commons, Second Amendment Commons
An Eye for an Eye Makes a Vigilant Society
Vigilantism is one of the oldest practices of mankind; for as long as there have been moral and legal laws to govern us and live by, there have been individuals who have sought justice outside these systems. Vigilantism is the response to failures in the justice system, and in the United States in particular, we have seen examples from the Western Frontier to the modern-day digital landscape. This paper will explore the nature of vigilante justice through historical, psychological, media-driven, legal, and digital lenses. We will explore how cultural narratives, media influences, government actions, and psychological motivations have shaped the perception of vigilante justice through theoretical frameworks like “General Strain Theory,” “Deterrence Theory,” and “Moral Panic Theory.”. Legal ambiguities and gray areas surrounding hot-button issues like self-defense and racial bias complicate and highlight ethical concerns surrounding acts of extralegal justice. Additionally, in the modern age, acts like digital vigilantism raise a number of new and unforeseen concerns regarding online activism, privacy, and accountability. By synthesizing these perspectives, this paper will discuss the underlying need for legal clarity regarding these cases, the need for media responsibility, and institutional reform that must address the causes and the dire consequences of vigilante justice in modern American society.