Hate Crime Statute
/ˈheɪt kraɪm ˈstætʃuːt/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal provision defining and prescribing enhanced penalties for crimes motivated by bias against protected characteristics such as race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
The defendant was charged under the state's hate crime statute for targeting victims based on their ethnicity.
Forms
- hate crime statute
- hate crime statutes
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Hate crime statutes often require proof of specific intent to target victims due to protected traits, which can complicate prosecution and drafting.
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.