Frontier Justice

Frontier Justice refers to the informal, often extrajudicial system of resolving disputes or punishing wrongdoers that existed in early American frontier communities. Due to limited government presence and law enforcement, residents relied on community standards, personal judgment, or acts of revenge rather than formal legal processes. This approach prioritized immediate retribution and self-reliance over established legal procedures, often leading to vigilante actions. While it helped maintain order in isolated areas, it also posed risks of abuse and injustice, highlighting the challenges of maintaining law and order in frontier environments.