Vigilance committee

See also: Vigilante

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Vigilance committee, in the 19th century United States, denoted a group of private citizens who organized themselves for self-protection. The committees were established in areas where there was no local law enforcement, or where the local government was ineffectual, corrupt, or unpopular. The groups, despite generally held opinions, were not mobs of unorganized individuals bent on revenge of the moment, but usually well-organized, with charters defining their purposes and official membership lists. Some were public, but many were secret. Secrecy prevented retaliation by lawless or corrupt organizations and also made it difficult for government officials to pursue criminal charges in areas where the government held jurisdiction. Vigilance committees are not unique to the United States and existed into the 20th century.

Related Topics:
19th century - United States - 20th century

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~