[PaulG]

It might break down social cohesion, but it may also build community cohesion. The role of law can also be seen to provide a structure that can help to maintain social structures. Even if a law has not been broken, the deterrence effect can (note that I don't use the work does) impact on how individuals act. But, give a group of individuals a target, and they can become a very cohesive force. Perhaps the major fear in regard to vigilantism is the potential of any individual becoming a target because they have breached the communities code of conduct.