lynch law


noun

the administration of summary punishment, especially death, upon a suspected, accused, or convicted person by a mob acting without legal process or authority.

Origin of lynch law

1805–15, Americanism; after the self-instituted tribunals presided over by William Lynch (1742–1820) of Pittsylvania, Va., c1776

Words nearby lynch law

Example sentences from the Web for lynch law

British Dictionary definitions for lynch law

lynch law

noun

the practice of condemning and punishing a person by mob action without a proper trial

Cultural definitions for lynch law

lynch law

The punishment of supposed criminals, especially by hanging, by agreement of a crowd and without a genuine criminal trial. Lynch law was used in the early settlement of the West as a way of maintaining minimal law and order before a sheriff and courts could be set up. It has also been used to deprive unpopular suspects of their rights and to satisfy a mob's thirst for vengeance. Lynch law was often used by whites in the South to terrorize and subjugate blacks.