How did distance effect law and order in the American west?

Distance significantly impacted Law and Order in the American West by creating vast areas with limited law enforcement presence. The remoteness of settlements made it difficult for authorities to respond quickly to crimes, resulting in a reliance on local vigilante justice. Additionally, the challenges of communication and transportation hindered the establishment of formal legal systems, leading to inconsistencies in law enforcement and the proliferation of lawlessness in some regions. This environment fostered a unique blend of frontier justice and community governance shaped by the challenges of isolation.