Hate Crimes

Hate Crimes: Laws and Penalties

Hate crimes, or bias-motivated crimes, are crimes committed because the victim is a member of a certain group, such as a racial or religious minority. Today, 45 states and the District of Columbia have laws against hate crimes.

Hate Crimes That Changed History

Hate crime legislation was often spurred by instances of particularly deprived crimes.

Federal Prosecutions for Civil Rights Violations

After George Zimmerman was acquitted in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, there was much speculation about whether he would face federal criminal charges for violating Martin’s civil rights.

How Do Prosecutors Prove Hate Crimes?

The defendant's actions, words, and affiliations often supplies the best evidence of his state of mind when committing a crime--including a hate crime.

Do Hate Crime Laws Violate the First Amendment?

Hate crimes, sometimes called bias-motivated crimes, are crimes committed because of the victim’s race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

Is Everyone Protected by Hate Crime Laws?

Everyone is protected by hate crime laws, even though minorities are more likely to suffer them.