i understand hate crimes in a sense if the person did the crime because of the race of the other person, but i believe it is an over-used idea because the minorities have been fighting for equality, but they still get special treatment with these crimes, even when there is no proof that the crime was because of their race.
2007-02-10 19:42:36 · 10 answers · asked by Mike T 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
i believe it should be used....
just not abused...
2007-02-10 19:47:51 · update #1
have you been a slave?
2007-02-10 19:45:59 · answer #1 · answered by doctorhector 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Hate crimes occur all the time. However, there does seem to be a lot of disparity concerning who is entitled to this special designation for crimes against them. Most recently, this was evidenced in the case of the 9 black youths attacked 3 white women in Long Beach. they were all convicted, yet most on the criminals only got probation, house arrest and community service. If the roles had been reversed, the punishment would have either fit the crime or gone over the top.
While I was serving in the US Army, I was attacked on two separate occasions by groups of 'men' of a different racial makeup. When filling out the report with the police, I was advised that the crimes were not 'hate crimes' because I am not a minority. Keep in mind that this was early 1990s and military law. However, it does seem that, sad as it truly is, this thought process is still prevalent in our justice system.
The way it looks is that if you are straight, white, non-Jew, male, you can not be the victim of a hate crime or the hate crime designation is not taken as seriously.
2007-02-11 05:41:51 · answer #2 · answered by ivan_beals 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
For the Hate Crimes Statute to stick to a case, the prosecution must prove that the crime entices fear in the entire group of people, that the defendant INTENDED on committing the crime BASED UPON the VICTIMS classification (race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc).
Hence, you are incorrect in your assumption that "they still get special treatment with these crimes, even when there is no proof that the crime was because of their race."
Many argue that such intent can't be proved, that its a form of the "thought police". This is also untrue. In murder cases for as long as we can remember, the prosecution has been proving "intent", or "motive" which is without a doubt a profound critique of the defendant's mental state, and thoughts.
Also you are equivocated once again by assuming that hate crime statues only protects the minorities. Hate crime statutes protect the individual and community at large based upon class regardless of the specifics of the class itself. Hence... If a group of Black kids were to beat up a bunch of white kids simply because they were White, or especially because they were White, and this is proved, then a hate crimes statue may be added to the sentencing.
2007-02-11 03:52:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A hate crime can be based on many things. I live in the UK where we've had the following happen....
A ladies coffin (yes, with the lady in....) was removed from her grave by a group of people campaigning for animal rights. The lady was connected to practices these campaigners saw as a violiation of animal rights
Threatening letters have been sent to people from the Jewish community in high positions-who from well we can debate that.
Some women I know we're attacked near their homes and called all sorts of names relating to their race.
So as you can see, all three of the above we're hate crimes based on three very different things. It's not possible for us to say all hate crimes are color based-they simply ain't.
As for getting special treatment-I highly doubt anyone who's on the recieving end of any hate crime would like to be in the position anyway.
2007-02-11 06:59:36 · answer #4 · answered by princessofpop1983 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it's a great idea if someone does a hate crime it could add years on to prison sentence. Its a great deterrent.
2007-02-11 03:47:17 · answer #5 · answered by firshizel 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
think " hate crimes " refers to more than just crimes in race .it could be for religion , sex preferance etc . get it ?
2007-02-11 03:49:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
all sensible person should hate crime. but the criminal should not be hated. all criminals have a past... we should know that before taking any step against them.
2007-02-11 03:48:45 · answer #7 · answered by sumayya80 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It's the intent. Be open minded and put yourself in their shoes. I'm sure that your eyes would be opened.
2007-02-11 04:01:50 · answer #8 · answered by lizzieboredom 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I hate that too.
2007-02-11 03:45:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
maybe they are too hot-tempered?or they are racist?perhaps it is juz skin colour too.
2007-02-11 03:47:23 · answer #10 · answered by Blank 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋