Explores a range of aspects associated with hate crimes and the problem they pose to society.
This paper looks at the problem that hate crimes present to society. The paper provides some FBI statistics on hate crimes, discusses some of the problems associated with combating the crimes, looks at legislation enacted in the United States designed to counter them, and talks about hate crime prevention groups and how they can be effective in deterring hate crimes.
“Legislation in the United States has established harsher penalties for hate crimes over the past decade, which has been welcomed by many people, but criticized by others. (Wikipedia) Some people argue that women and minorities, such as blacks and gays, are getting “special treatment” by the establishment of strict hate crime penalties. This narrow-minded view is one obstacle in investigating and controlling hate crimes. It can also be difficult for investigators to distinguish hate crimes from other crimes, because it is necessary not only to prove what events happened, but what the intention of the perpetrator was. They are usually detected by a background investigation of the accused perpetrator or by eyewitness reports. Circumstantial evidence can sometimes show the intent, such as a diary or journal belonging to the accused that established a biased mindset. Getting a hate crime conviction can also be very difficult because there are very strict rules decided on by the FBI. (Wikipedia)”