VARFÖR TA LAGEN I EGNA HÄNDER NÄR RÄTTSSYSTEMET FUNGERAR? En experimentstudie om huruvida en uppfattning om rättssystemet som ineffektivt påverkar människors stöd för vigilantism

Abstract

Support for actions of vigilantism, defined as taking the law into one’s own hands, has been observed in Sweden. Despite the problems the phenomenon poses for the judicial system and democracy, little research has been done regarding the causes of support for vigilantism in settings characterized by strong judicial authorities. This study seeks to investigate the assumed relationship between a presumed ineffective criminal justice system and greater support for vigilantism in this setting. Previous research on the relationship fails to establish causality, due to the lack of experimental studies. Furthermore, the only study using experimental design focuses solely on punishment. This study conducts a survey experiment through vignettes consisting of a specific case of vigilantism in response to a crime, and questions regarding support for vigilantism in the specific case. It includes a process-oriented conceptualization of ineffectiveness, rather than just punishment. By using a survey experiment the existence of a causal relationship can be investigated. Results indicate a pattern where people presented by a case of an ineffective justice system report higher levels of support for vigilantism compared to people presented with a case of an effective justice system. The results are however not significant, possibly due to a low number of respondents. A causal relationship can therefore neither be confirmed nor rejected. The results can still have policy implication regarding time efficiency within the judicial system, as well as increased information for citizens concerning the judicial process.