https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/sep/17/its-a-power-game-students-accused-in-university-hearings-call-in-lawyers I find this article very strange. If you are going to make accusations, you should expect the accused to both do what they can to clear their name and also not be on your side. The quote at the bottom about not expecting a university to investigate a murder seems very reasonable.
@psn Is it actually legal for universities to deal with *any* crime outside of the legal system like this? (let alone *violent* ones)
Fair point. In that case: what makes vigilantism illegal?
I know of attempts to make _some kinds_ of vigilantism illegal: when they end up in illegal acts against the purported criminal (ISTR that some of the "incitement to violence" statutes have such origin), or when they coerce the victim not to make use of the standard justice system (which is often served by the surprisingly broad definition of blackmail in the law).
Note that in particular when one is suspected of committing a crime, and even is acquitted, it's perfectly legal for them to continue to suffer consequences of that suspicion. In fact, they can even lose a civil case that hinges on them committing that criminal act (because the standard of proof is different).
@robryk @psn agreed. I guess my main issue is with them *not* being prosecuted by the legal system (which vigilantism does not imply)... as though you're exempt from judgement if the crime is committed on university grounds.