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Vigilante justice refers to the act of individuals or groups taking the law into their own hands to enforce what they perceive to be justice, often outside the boundaries of formal legal systems. This typically occurs in situations where people feel that existing laws or law enforcement are insufficient to deal with crime or wrongdoing. Those engaging in vigilante justice operate independently, displaying a belief that they can administer their version of justice without the need for formal legal procedures or oversight.

While the other options address various aspects of law enforcement and community organization, they do not capture the essence of vigilante justice. Adherence to legal procedures, formal investigations, and community-based programs all imply a structure and organization that is absent in vigilante actions, which are characterized by their informal and often reactive nature. Therefore, independent enforcement of perceived laws accurately encapsulates the concept of vigilante justice.