8 - Private Dispositions

Summary

This chapter explores the phenemonon of private criminal dispositions, more commonly known as vigilante justice. It first examines the various definitions of vigilantism, noting that the term used in this book – “private criminal dispositions” – is a very broad category that includes legal and illegal actions. It then reviews different types of private criminal dispositions, including removing a benefit or privilege (often used by retail stores or employers), public shaming (often used against sexual predators), property damage (often used against computer hackers), and, finally, acts of violence, including deadly force.The chapter concludes with a number of case studies of this final type of private criminal disposition, including the Kyle Rittenhouse case and the Ahmaud Arbery murder.