Module 4
It is argued that the hate crime legislation at the state level is not applied equally at the federal level. Some posit that this is in part due to the lack of consensus over the meaning of a “hate crime.” Definitions of hate crime often vary across police jurisdictions (e.g., states, counties), as well as scholars and academics who sometimes create their own operational definitions. This tends to add to the confusion and lack of consensus in defining hate crimes, making it more difficult to enact effective legislation.
After reviewing the assignments, and videos in the Learning & Assessment Activities page, you will have a better understanding of the many issues which surround defining a hate crime and enacting more enforceable hate crime statutes. Please respond to the following:
- Research the hate crime laws in your home state. Explain why you think they are, or are not, as similar and equally applied as federal hate crime laws.
Your initial post should be at least 150–250 words and must substantively integrate the assigned readings with proper APA style formatting.
