Review article
https://doi.org/10.30925/zpfsr.45.2.5
Vigilantism - Informal Protection of Society or Necessary Evil?
Dalibor Doležal
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences
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* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Taking justice “into one’s own hands” to correct a perceived injustice or express rebellion against the inaction of state institutions towards certain problems is a phenomenon that has long been recognized within the term “vigilantism.” Although it has been the subject of numerous discussions in the scientific and professional literature, there is still no consensus regarding the generally accepted definition, manifestations and causes of this phenomenon. However, considering the emergence of new forms and possibilities for committing criminal offenses in the sphere of the so-called “cybercrime,” it is not impossible to conclude that vigilante activities will increasingly take place within this phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to specify the similarities and differences in the explanations of the term vigilantism by reviewing the available scientific and professional literature. This will further determine the reasons for the emergence of this phenomenon and the consequences of such actions with the aim of planning activities to prevent the harmful consequences of acts of vigilantism. The results of the analysis show that vigilantism as a phenomenon is present in almost all societies, but the prevention of this phenomenon depends on the social context within which it occurs.
Keywords
vigilantism; criminology; police; justice system
Hrčak ID:
320626
URI
Publication date:
15.9.2024.
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