Article 2. The States Affidavit On Vigilantism and Civilian Intervention

Section 1 – Felony Vigilantism and Civilian Intervention

1. Felony Vigilantism Principle – As already established, performing the duties of law enforcement without the legal authority to do so is illegal.

2. Citizen’s Intervention – In accordance with this principle, civilians may legally intervene to protect the life or property of another civilian or government employee. This intervention may involve the use of lethal force if deemed necessary, provided the civilian is directly witnessing a misdemeanor or felony that involves the threat of violence or the loss of property against the individual being protected.

3. Citizen’s Arrest – If the civilian intervention involves preventing the suspect from leaving the scene of the crime, the act may also be referred to as a Citizen’s Arrest, whereby the civilian detains the individual until law enforcement arrives.