We have seen that it it permissible to use certain forms of social pressure to persuade an individual to come before a beis din, rabbinical court, for adjudication of a dispute. However, it is forbidden to use social pressure in order to bypass the court process and force a thief to return what he stole. It is wrong to cause the community to take a stand in a monetary issue on the basis of an individual’s word alone; only through the psak (ruling) of a beis din may the community take a stand. Thus, it is correct to ensure that the parties come before a beis din, but it is forbidden to personally orchestrate the enforcement of what one believes to be justice.

Sefer Chofetz Chaim, 5 Kislev, Page 178

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