The principle purpose of criminal law is to deter individuals from engaging in the proscribed behavior. Does the existence of enhanced penalties for hate and bias-based crimes further this goal? Why or why not?
What will be an ideal response?
Just as empirical evidence is lacking that the severity of a criminal penalty deters the commission of the crime, evidence is also lacking that enhancements to the prescribed penalties do anything more than punish specific offenders. Accordingly, a person driven by bias against a particular societal group who commits an assault, arson, or other crime eligible for enhancement under the bias crime law is not likely deterred by the additional penalty. At best, the enhanced penalty may bring the matter to the attention of those who are considering engaging in such unlawful behavior. Evidence is sparse that offenders driven by emotion as compared to economic gain engage in risk/reward analysis prior to committing their crimes.
You might also like to view...
"Latino" is generally the preferred label on the West Coast, parts of the East Coast, and the Southeast
a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false
What are mentally ill inmates more likely to have than other inmates?
a. infectious diseases b. disciplinary problems c. general health issues d. visitors
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) and the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) estimate that 60% to ______ of inmates in the nation’s correctional population have used drugs at some point in their lives.
a. 99% b. 90% c. 69% d. 83%
Identify various ethical guidelines and principles that are in place to protect individuals from unethical practices. Why are they so important to social science research and other disciplines today?
What will be an ideal response?