[magslinger]

This is the original meaning of being an “outlaw”: someone who is outside the protection of law enforcement. Usually that’s because it’s a wanted criminal, but not always.

Wouldn't unwanted criminals (illegal aliens) be pretty much the same as "wanted" ones?

[pogo101]

Sure, although the degree (of underlying crime) is less for most illegal aliens than, say, Mafia hitmen. But it’s the same principle: They can’t go to the cops to complain about a criminal offense against them, because their own crimes then would be learned.

In medieval England, it was relatively easily for a wanted criminal to remain a fugitive, so authorities — in addition to continuing efforts to apprehend the crook — would let it be known that he was an “outlaw,” i.e., that HE could be robbed, or killed, without legal repurcussion.: he was an OUT-law. Least, that’s the way I was taught 8)