That’s not the way the term is used in the legal system but that’s one of its historically theological nuances. The definition of retribution also encompasses the concept of “payback” in the afterlife, for people who do bad things in the Earth.

The question I have is, is vigilante justice really retribution in the legal sense, or is it just vengeance? May 17, - Yes, the notion of retribution justice does seem to imply that we’re dealing with “evil,” and not just criminal acts-so I agree that there are some theological overtones to the word. I don’t want to start splitting hairs, but I think any dictionary would back me up on that. However, retribution just means punishment, and so within that larger definition a vigilante act does fit in the meaning of retribution. Vigilante acts by definition are above the law, and so the legal system would never sanction them as legitimate forms of retribution. When you ask “in the legal sense” do you mean legally sanctioned justice? In that sense, then of course it’s not. The possibility it will go off is likely, and only then will you understand its true definition, as some of us have been judged by it. That which you're passing around while playing show and tell is like holding a shiny armed silencer with the safety off.

Its true meaning is when judgment hasn't been placed on you may sound encouraging, but don't believe the hype. The comments and ideas being tossed and passed around by adolescents are so nonchalant without understanding.

Retribution falls