NCJ Number
121933
Date Published
1989
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This research document, prepared for a representative of the Alaska State House of Representatives, provides information on bias crimes -- words or actions intended to intimidate or injure individuals because of their national origin, race, religion, or sexual preference.
Abstract
Included is Alaska's bias crime statute, along with similar statutes from Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Most State bias crime statutes do not address bias crimes committed against persons because of their sexual preferences. The research materials also include an overview article by Peter Finn entitled "Bias Crime: Difficult to Define, Difficult to Prosecute," which appeared in Criminal Justice in the summer of 1988. In the article, Mr. Finn points out that at least half of the offenders arrested for bias crimes are juveniles and young adults between the ages of 16 and 25. Special problems in the prosecution of bias crimes are outlined in the Finn article.