The Peasant Patrols: Clarifying the Term
The rondas campesinas play a fundamental role in the exercise of Communal Justice, as recognized by Article 149 of the Political Constitution itself. However, in everyday language, other organizations are also called rondas, and it would be very useful to distinguish between them. According to Article 149 of the Political Constitution, the authorities of Comunidades Campesinas y Nativas, "with the support of the Rondas Campesinas," may exercise jurisdictional functions within their territorial jurisdiction in accordance with customary law, provided they do not violate fundamental rights of the person. (Excerpt from the introduction).