Lynch mob

A lynch mob refers to a group of people who, without legal authority or proper procedures, come together to violently punish someone they suspect of wrongdoing, often by lynching—hanging or extra-legal killing. Historically, lynch mobs have been associated with acts of racial violence, especially targeting marginalized communities. Such actions bypass the justice system, relying instead on collective vigilante justice, which can lead to severe injustices and bloodshed. The term highlights the dangers of mob mentality and the erosion of lawful legal processes in favor of spontaneous or organized violent retribution.