Hate Crime
/ˈheɪt kraɪm/
Definitions
- (n.) A criminal act motivated by bias or prejudice against a protected characteristic of the victim, such as race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity.
The defendant was charged with a hate crime for attacking the victim because of their race.
Forms
- hate crimes
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Hate crimes are distinct from similar offenses by the element of motivation based on prejudice; statutes often enhance penalties for such crimes.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.