ROUGH JUSTICE IN OLD VIRGINIA.
The Phrase Probably Arose from the
Administration of Off-Hand Judgments
of a Colonial Planter.
The application of summary punishment without authority of law is known in our country as Lynch law. The origin of the term is somewhat obscure. Here is one explanation:
Lynch law takes its name from the stern and summary act of one James Lynch Fitz-Stephen, a merchant of the Irish town of Galway, and, in 1526, its mayor or warden. The son of this Lynch Fitz-Stephen, having committed a foul murder, his father, exercising his authority as warden, had him arrested and brought for trial before himself.
The father, on conviction, Brutus-like, sentenced the son to death, and fearing a rescue from the prison, caused him to be brought home and to be hanged before his own door.
More or less apocryphal is this story from Ireland. The explanation most generally accepted refers the term back to a planter who lived in what is now known as the Piedmont country of Virginia.
At the time his district was the western frontier, and having no law of its own, and being seven miles from the nearest court of criminal jurisdiction, controversies were constantly referred to men of sound judgment and impartiality, whose decisions were regarded as final.
Prominent among these was Charles Lynch. His awards exhibited so much justice, judgment, and impartiality, that he was known throughout the country as Judge Lynch.
In the course of time criminals were brought before him, and he awarded such punishment as he considered just and proper.
There were other persons, in different districts, who acted as arbitrators, and who awarded punishments; but Judge Lynch was the most conspicuous, and consequently the system took his name, and was called Lynch law. This was a compliment to his integrity and high character.