Government against vigilantism (Mexico)
In January 2014, vigilante groups in Mexico came to the lime-light when they took it to their hands to oppose the drug traffickers. Initially, in 2013 they set off to protect their hometowns from extortion and violence by local prohibited. Gradually, they even started to protect their neighboring towns and set them free from the evil of drug trafficking. They set themselves armed against the criminals and were unwilling to unarm even when the Mexican army asked them to do so.
“A government that fails to fulfill its responsibility to its citizens is not a legitimate government, thus citizens aren't obligated to recognize its legitimacy"(John Locke, Philosopher)
Challenges for the Government of Mexico
The …show more content…
People should be aware of their rights to protect themselves legally; however, they should also be aware that self defense must be reasonable in order to constitute a legal defense and pro-action vigilante behavior is likely to lead to your arrest.
If you fear for your property or your own safety you should contact the police urgently. However tempting, direct action against criminals is only likely to lead to a criminal punishment of your own.
Suggestions for reducing Vigilantism:
Initiatives that could assist in reducing vigilantism are:
Improving the functioning of the criminal justice system as a whole
Improving the conviction rate
Aware citizens regarding the illicit of Vigilantism
Improving service delivery to the public
Enacting laws that are 'tough on offenders'
Assist the police and courts through crime prevention partnerships.
Bibliography:
http://findlaw.co.uk/law/criminal/other_crime_and_justice_topics/500507.html
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/horton_michoacan.pdf
In January 2014, vigilante groups in Mexico came to the lime-light when they took it to their hands to oppose the drug traffickers. Initially, in 2013 they set off to protect their hometowns from extortion and violence by local prohibited. Gradually, they even started to protect their neighboring towns and set them free from the evil of drug trafficking. They set themselves armed against the criminals and were unwilling to unarm even when the Mexican army asked them to do so.
“A government that fails to fulfill its responsibility to its citizens is not a legitimate government, thus citizens aren't obligated to recognize its legitimacy"(John Locke, Philosopher)
Challenges for the Government of Mexico
The …show more content…
People should be aware of their rights to protect themselves legally; however, they should also be aware that self defense must be reasonable in order to constitute a legal defense and pro-action vigilante behavior is likely to lead to your arrest.
If you fear for your property or your own safety you should contact the police urgently. However tempting, direct action against criminals is only likely to lead to a criminal punishment of your own.
Suggestions for reducing Vigilantism:
Initiatives that could assist in reducing vigilantism are:
Improving the functioning of the criminal justice system as a whole
Improving the conviction rate
Aware citizens regarding the illicit of Vigilantism
Improving service delivery to the public
Enacting laws that are 'tough on offenders'
Assist the police and courts through crime prevention partnerships.
Bibliography:
http://findlaw.co.uk/law/criminal/other_crime_and_justice_topics/500507.html
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/horton_michoacan.pdf