Hate Crime/Thought Crime

In: Dissent: a journal devoted to radical ideas and the values of socialism and democracy, Band 57, Heft 2, S. 74-79

Abstract

Explores the legal gravity of hate, critiquing the argument for hate crime laws. The Matthew Shepard & James Byrd prosecutions are discussed before providing a brief historical overview of hate crime laws in the US. Legal responses to hate violence that do not look to regulate opinion are next looked at. It is argued that supporters of hate crime laws tend to expand the concept of conspiracy in a dangerous manner. Other problems related to intent, state of mind, & belief are touched on. The prospect that hate crime laws might lead to hate speech laws is addressed, & it is concluded that actual crimes should be punished rather than the motivating beliefs of offenders. Adapted from the source document.