What do you think and why? =]
2007-02-12 14:12:25 · 8 answers · asked by oh joy! 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
First, hate crimes must be very well defined. Second, in the United States, individuals have a right to hate others. They don't have a right to act on it any way they want, but they do have the right to hate.
Consider one of the "Dirty Harry" films made starring Clint Eastwood. Dirty Harry is accused of racism. His reply, "I am not racist. I hate everybody."
2007-02-12 14:25:35 · answer #1 · answered by Jack 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My opinion is that YES hate crimes shouldcarry a much heavier penalty. The problem is proving that the crime actually is a hate crime. To do so, a jury must be convinced of the mind set of the perpetrator. A very difficult thing to do!
I also feel that once an offender has served his/her time, then the debt is paid in full and he/she should have no further obligation other than becoming a "law abiding" person.
2007-02-12 22:23:38 · answer #2 · answered by afreshpath_admin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never understood what a hate crime was really. I mean if someone kills you, how do you know they hated you or not? It makes no sense, so I guess I can't answer your question.
Besides, what kind of hate crime are you talking about? Murder is a hate crime and it should be prosecuted more seriously than battery. If someone hates you and gives you a dirty look I don't think that should be prosecuted more severely than battery.
2007-02-12 22:22:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hate crime legislation accomplishes two useless goals. The first is that it criminalizes thoughts and intentions, which, however stupid and evil the pea-sized brain of a Klansman or gay-basher may be, leads to infringement of freedom of expresison. The second goal is to make the proponents of such laws feel morally superior to doubters such as myself.
Two of the most egregious recent cases of hate crimes took place in states with no specific legislation--the murder of a young gay man, Matthew Perry, in Wyoming, and the horrific dragging death of a black man named Byrd in Texas. The animals who committed these crimes were found guilty of plain-vanilla assault and homicide and duly executed.
Don't just take my word for this, though. Check out the link below to the definitive argument in this matter, South Park Episode 401, "Cartman's Stupid Hate Crime."
2007-02-12 22:25:45 · answer #4 · answered by Bethesdan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure what the punishment should be for hate crimes. But one thing is certain, there MUST be some kind of punishment!! Hate crimes are among the most ignorant and unnecessary actions one can possibly commit... Propagating doesn't get you anywhere, and people who commit these acts should be shown they can't get away with it anymore.
2007-02-12 22:22:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely not. This enhanced crime is a biased law as it is only applied when it is used to charge a white person. I have met alot more racist balck people than I have white in my life time. Have yet to see any minorities getting charged with this crime. What happened to equal protection under the law??
2007-02-12 22:25:42 · answer #6 · answered by John F 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, hate crime is really bad. Especially when Americans are criticizing Israel.
2007-02-12 22:20:52 · answer #7 · answered by Taco . 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes because hate crimes are so out of control in this day and age and the stuff they do is crazy
2007-02-12 22:20:47 · answer #8 · answered by glamour04111 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋