We have discussed the various issues involved in the criminal justice processing of hate and bias crimes. For this option, I would like you to select a crime motivated by hate or bias that is being covered, or has been covered recently, by the media (you shouldn’t have much trouble finding one with a quick google news search). Your paper should start by describing the details of the incident, and a copy of (or link to) the article you chose should be turned in with your assignment.

Next, identify whether or not authorities have decided to process the incident as a hate crime. If the incident HAS been formally charged or prosecuted as a hate crime, describe why, based on our discussions in class, you believe authorities made the decision to do so (you might consider evidence, offender/victim characteristics, etc). Similarly, if the decision has been made to NOT charge or prosecute the incident as a hate crime, describe why you believe the authorities made the decision not to do so. If the decision has not been made or is unclear, detail what decision you believe the authorities will/should make and why (using the same criteria).

Finally, consider Levin and McDevitt’s offender motivation typologies that were discussed in class. Based on the details of the incident, how would you categorize the offense and offender motivations (thrill–seeking, defensive, retaliatory, mission)? If the incident could be categorized in multiple ways, you should describe the argument for each. For this part of the assignment, you should make sure to clearly explain the category (or categories) you chose, and explain why the incident fits within that category.