Frontier justice refers to the informal and often extrajudicial methods of law enforcement and punishment that emerged in remote or newly settled areas, particularly in the American West during the 19th century. In these regions, formal legal systems were often absent or ineffective, leading communities to take matters into their own hands to maintain order and safety. This type of justice typically involved local citizens forming vigilante groups to address crimes or perceived threats. While it aimed to deliver swift justice, it often lacked due process and could result in harsh punishments, including lynching, reflecting the challenges of law enforcement in frontier territories.