Vigilante Justice in Society and Popular Culture: A Global Perspective [Paperback]

This unique collection explores the complex issue of vigilantism, how it is represented in popular culture, and what is its impact on behavior and the implications for the rule of law. The book is a transnational investigation across a range of eleven different jurisdictions, including accounts of the Anglophone world (Australia, Britain, Canada, and the United States), European experiences (Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, and Portugal), and South American jurisdictions (Argentina and Brazil).
The essays, written by prominent international scholars in law, sociology, criminology, and media studies, present data, historical and recent examples of vigilantism; examine the national Laws and jurisprudence; and focus on the broad theme of vigilante justice in popular culture (literature, films, television).
Vigilante Justice in Society and Popular Culture sheds light on this topic offering a detailed look beyond the Anglophone world. This collection will enrich the debate by adding the opportunity for comparison which has been largely lacking in scholarly debate. As such, it will appeal not only to scholars of law, sociology, criminology, and media studies, but also to all those who are engaged with these topics alike.

Peter Robson is professor of social welfare law at the University of Strathclyde.
Ferdinando Spina is associate professor of Sociology of Law at the University of Salento.

A fascinating group of essays, from a number of countries in various parts of the world, on forms of vigilantism, broadly conceived: collective movements, as well as individual acts of revenge and private justice. The essays pay special attention to these themes in literature, movies, and TV. This work will be important, and illuminating, for a wide range of scholars of legal and social history; and in particular, for students of law and popular culture. Lawrence M. Friedman, Marion Rice Kirkwood Professor of Law at Stanford Law School

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