Hate Crime Law

Hate crime laws are designed to address crimes motivated by bias against a person’s characteristics, such as race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. In the context of violent crime, these laws recognize that acts like assault or vandalism can be more harmful when the perpetrator targets an individual or group based on prejudice. Hate crimes are treated more seriously than similar acts lacking a bias motive because they can instill fear in entire communities and heighten social divisions. Consequently, penalties may be increased to reflect the severity of the underlying motive behind the violent act.