From a legal standpoint, highwaymen were considered criminals because their actions violated property rights and public safety. Their activities harmed others and disrupted the smooth functioning of societal systems.
However, not all highwaymen were entirely villainous. In some cases, these individuals became the subjects of romanticization or folklore due to their audacious robberies, cunning schemes, and perceived sense of adventure. Some stories portrayed them as characters who had their reasons for resorting to theft or as individuals with a sense of entitlement.
Despite some level of romanticization, most societies widely criticized highwaymen for their illegal behavior and viewed them negatively as criminals engaged in unethical and disruptive pursuits.