okay, this is going to sound like a stupid question, but I’m really curious about it. I was watching a classic episode of Batman on TV Land and I wondered if there has ever been any well-publicized crimefighter that worked outside of the law. Was there ever a real-life caped crusader?
I would have to say “probably not”. If someone works outside the law, it’s only a matter of time before the law comes after them, as well.
There are vigilante groups like the Guardian Angels and there have been “vigilance groups” dating back centuries. Don’t know if that fills your bill or not.
Of course there’s always Terrifica.
In California in particular during the gold rush, and in other areas newly settled in the last century, vigilante groups arose when things got too weird.
San Francisco in particular had a group which actually posted handbills and advertised themselves as a “Citizens Vigilante Committee,” and advised crooks and scumbags to be out of time by midnight on X date, or be lynched without trial.
Serpico made a name for himself fighting crime not by the book.
There was a famous pair of cops circa 1970, about the same time as Serpico, who were nicknamed “Batman and Robin” for their crimefighting exploits, but I can’t remember their real names or which force.
But to live outside the law you must be honest.
—Bob Dylan, “Absolutely Sweet Marie”