[chesley]

Not that I necessarily disagree with you, but the problem with the vigilantes was that they were often just a lynch mob with no concern about whether the crime had actually been committed, or if it had, if the accused was the one committing it.

On the other hand, it would help if people who shot in self-defense were not labeled as “vigilantes”, as they are not. They are not concerned with justice, or right and wrong, but with preserving their lives.

[CodeToad]

“the problem with the vigilantes was that they were often just a lynch mob with no concern about whether the crime had actually been committed”

We get the Salem Witch Trials from such vigilantes.

[JimRed]

...the problem with the vigilantes was that they were often just a lynch mob with no concern about whether the crime had actually been committed, or if it had, if the accused was the one committing it.

A perfect description of the KKK.