Final answer:
Historical figures like Jean Gianini, Abram Colby, and Dr. George Darden were targeted due to motives such as public opinion, political influence, and a desire for vigilante justice, which led to violence and legal repercussions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throughout history, people and groups have been targeted for various motives, often resulting in violence or legal action. For example, public opinion and legal insanity played crucial roles in the trial of Jean Gianini, who murdered his former teacher and was found guilty partly because of a substantial amount of public opinion set against him. Similarly, the Klan targeted Abram Colby for his influence, using violence as a method to undermine his sway over people. In the case of Dr. George Darden, a vigilante desire for justice among the victim's friends led them to act out of fear that the legal system would not administer proper punishment. These historical instances demonstrate that motives can range from fear of injustice, racial prejudice, to sociopolitical influence, all of which can lead to drastic actions against individuals.