Hate crimes question

[fedupfisherman]

What do hate crime laws do that 'regular' laws do not?

Thanks

[MichaelHarris]

1. punish

bigots, punish crimes against people based on their race, sexual orientation etc.. Have no idea why I answered this, I feel like a marlin taking a deep diver.

[fedupfisherman]

2. You mean the penalties are harsher?

n/t

[MichaelHarris]

5. yes

and my guess is you know that and are leading me down a path of your own design. Can't wait to see where it goes.

[fedupfisherman]

7. Nowhere

If that is the purpose behind hate crime laws I support them.

Never was clear on what hate crime laws did that laws on the books already did

[Kool Kitty]

3. Well, I'm glad you did.

You gave a great answer.

[MichaelHarris]

4. thank you

:) I know it's bait but I felt like playing along.

[The Magistrate]

6. What They Do, Sir

Is establish as an aggrevating factor in a crime certain motives for the underlying offense, leading to harsher punishment for it if it is proved to a judge or jury such a motive was present. It is quite common for questions of motive or state of mind to define the difference between degrees of criminality, and the attendant punishment on conviction. A homicide, for example, may be murder or manslaughter or negligent homicide depending on what is determined to be the intent or state of mind of the perpetrator. There is nothing special about inquiring into these things in criminal law.

[fedupfisherman]

8. Thanks

that clears up a lot

[Swamp Rat]

10. That's his job

:D

:hi: Magistrate :D

[The Magistrate]

11. Thank You, Sir

My best to you and yours.

[whoneedstickets]

9. Hate crimes...

...are those where the impact of the violent act extends beyond the interpersonal and contributes to a atmosphere of intimidation directed at minority groups. Hate crime laws are designed to exact special punishment for those acts which transcend simple criminality and, in effect, 'send a message' of subordination to some group. The intentionality of the hate criminal with regard to the message is immaterial so long as it is clear that the status of the victim as a minority played some part in the decision to undertake or escalate the act.