I think that a lot of problems are caused by existing laws not being enforced. Trouble is, legislators then go on to create new laws in response to particularly vile acts, which is a perfect example of shutting the stable door after the horse bolts - you can't prosecute the perpetrators under the new law!
OTOH, a hate crime affects far more people than just the victim of that crime - and it's intended to.
Hmm.
Isn't that the definition of an act of terrorism? As I understand it, a hate crime is one motivated by a dislike for the different. Whether anyone else is affected doesn't seem to have entered into it in the cases that I've read (which is, admittedly, a very small sample).
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2009-06-02 11:05 am (UTC)OTOH, a hate crime affects far more people than just the victim of that crime - and it's intended to.
Hmm.
Isn't that the definition of an act of terrorism? As I understand it, a hate crime is one motivated by a dislike for the different. Whether anyone else is affected doesn't seem to have entered into it in the cases that I've read (which is, admittedly, a very small sample).