Popular Justice

The history of lynching in America is explored through the lens of extralegal communal punishment carried out by ordinary citizens, highlighting its deep-rooted presence from the colonial era to modern times. Manfred Berg examines the racial complexities and societal memories surrounding these acts, analyzing a range of victims including African American men, white women, and cattle rustlers. Through this analysis, the book delves into the notions of 'frontier justice' and 'popular justice,' offering a nuanced understanding of lynching's role in the nation's history.