NCJ Number
182629
Date Published
2000
Length
93 pages
Annotation
This guide is designed to provide prosecutors with information that will aid them in their prosecution of hate crimes, recognizing that every case is different and will require different approaches; the guide provides an overview of a range of approaches designed to help prosecutors fashion their own responses to hate crimes based on the unique characteristics and needs of their communities.
Abstract
The guide is based on the various approaches used by prosecutors across the country, as well as input from a national advisory group of local prosecutors; local, State and Federal law enforcement representatives; victim advocacy groups; civil rights groups; and experts in the field of hate crime. An overview of hate crimes and hate crime legislation encompasses hate crime statistics, hate crime and offender characteristics, definitions, hate crime legislation, U.S. Supreme Court cases, and State court cases. A section on working with other critical agencies and groups shows prosecutors how interagency coordination and collaboration can result in a broader range of remedies for victims and communities that have been targets of bias-motivated crimes. Another section provides guidance for prosecutors on the issues they may face in hate-crime trials and how various prosecutors' offices address these issues. Information on outreach and the establishment of prevention strategies is designed to prepare prosecutors to address hate crimes both before and after they occur. One general suggestion in the conclusion of this guide is to designate one or several attorneys to be hate crime prosecutors, or establish a hate crime unit. Appended supplementary information