The term vigilante, of Spanish origin, means "watchman" or "guard." Its Latin root is vigil, for "awake" or "observant." Vigilantes have also been known as "slickers," "stranglers," "mobs," and "committees of safety."
ANDREW KARMEN
See also CRIME CAUSATION: POLITICAL THEORIES; JUSTIFICATION: LAW ENFORCEMENT; JUSTIFICATION: NECESSITY; JUSTIFICATION: SELF-DEFENSE; VICTIMS; VIOLENCE.
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