lynch law

noun

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

lynch law

noun

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

lynch law

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lynch law¹

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

Example Sentences

It was the eighth day after the fearful application of Lynch Law we have just described, a little before sunset.

From Project Gutenberg

A great deal has been said and written lately about feuds and lynch-law in the districts around the lower Mississippi.

From Project Gutenberg

For such offences there is no law to reach a slave but lynch law.

From Project Gutenberg

Well have lynch-law here in just about ten minutes, if you aint spry.

From Project Gutenberg

To suppress these desperadoes, in the absence of strong legal institutions, resort was continually made to lynch law.

From Project Gutenberg