ABSTRACT
The rise and fall of lynching in numerous countries, despite the relative steadiness of racism or other prejudices, suggests that the deepest roots of mob murder lie in crisis. Not every severe political shock sets off waves of killing, but where other major problems are already in place, a community may begin to feel highly vulnerable when the basis for government starts to slip. Like stress for an individual, even what appears to be a change for the better can put a great deal of strain on a society. Under considerable pressure, segments of the populace may succumb to a deep sense of unease, opening a path to rough justice against perceived criminals.
