Vigilantism - consequences of taking the 'law' unto oneself

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In summary, the shooting in Las Vegas that was initially thought to be an act of road rage between strangers was actually an exchange of gunfire between neighbors. This shooting underscores the dangers of mixing guns, high motions, and vigilantism. Mrs. Meyers should have called the police and waited at home, and more information is coming out that she wasn't as innocent as first reported.
  • #1
Astronuc
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Las Vegas shooting: Not road rage, but cautionary vigilante tale?
A deadly shooting in Las Vegas was thought to be an episode of road rage among strangers. But it turns out to have been an exchange of gunfire between neighbors.

http://news.yahoo.com/las-vegas-shooting-not-road-rage-cautionary-vigilante-145548984.html
The revelations further underscore a point made by some experts: that pure road rage killings are exceedingly rare, especially in a country where drivers cover nearly 8 billion miles every day. That the Las Vegas shooting may turn out at least in part to be an act of citizen action gone tragically wrong adds another layer – that of cautionary tale about the dangers of mixing guns, high motions, and vigilantism.

The story comes in an era when, in some parts of America, growing numbers of people are deciding to solve problems outside the courts.

Amid high crime and police cutbacks, the rate of homicides ruled justifiable in Detroit is 2,200 percent higher than the US average, a result, in part, of growing vigilantism by groups that “consist of ordinary folk being victimized,” as the London Daily Mail noted in 2012.
A trend of increasing extra-judicial resolutions to conflicts is troubling. I'm concerned that it will result in a less safe environment.

As if 'stand your ground' isn't enough already.

Some additional background on the story
http://news.yahoo.com/road-rage-mistaken-identity-questions-raised-vegas-case-091610459.html
Police are looking for another suspect, possibly an acquaintance of Nowsch.
 
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  • #2
Yeah this was very disturbing. Why try to confront the aggressive teen knowing he had a weapon and bringing your son along with a weapon too?
 
  • #3
From what I've read, the story is confusing and the progression of events is unclear. There seems to be a missing person of interest who may have been involved.

But clearly, Mrs. Meyers should have called police and waited at home.
 
  • #4
Yes it was said that she tried to help this troubled teen but couldn't reach him.
 
  • #5
When I first heard this story, it was being reported as "an innocent mother shot as she came home from teaching her teenage daughter to drive". I thought that it was a terribly tragic story of murderous road rage.

A few days later it was reported that her son exchanged fire in the driveway. I thought that was an odd coincidence that he just happened to be in the driveway with a gun when the incident occurred.

Only after they captured Nowsch did more information start to come out that she wasn't as innocent as first reported. Now the reports are that she dropped off her daughter, picked up her son and his gun, and went looking for Nowsch. The police say that there were two shooting incidents - one of which occurred while they were driving around with a gun. There are also reports that the family knew who the shooter was for the entire week and didn't tell police.

I'll wait for the movie to come out and won't believe that either. ?:)
 
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1. What is vigilantism?

Vigilantism is the act of taking the law into one's own hands and seeking justice outside of the legal system. This can include acts of violence, intimidation, and other forms of retribution against those perceived as criminals.

2. What are the consequences of vigilantism?

The consequences of vigilantism can vary, but they often include escalating violence, lack of due process, and undermining the authority of the legal system. Vigilantes may also face legal repercussions for their actions.

3. Why do people engage in vigilantism?

People may engage in vigilantism due to a lack of trust in the legal system, a desire for immediate justice, or a belief that the legal system is not adequately addressing a particular issue. Some may also feel a sense of moral obligation to take action.

4. How does vigilantism affect society?

Vigilantism can have negative effects on society by perpetuating a cycle of violence, eroding trust in the legal system, and creating an atmosphere of fear and chaos. It can also lead to innocent individuals being targeted and harmed.

5. What can be done to prevent vigilantism?

To prevent vigilantism, it is important for governments to address and improve issues within the legal system that may contribute to people feeling the need to take the law into their own hands. Education and awareness about the dangers and consequences of vigilantism can also help discourage individuals from engaging in it.

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