| This paper explores police and prosecutor response to hate crime in four United States jurisdictions. Some critics have argued that hate crime laws are a symbolic gesture and whether or not these laws can go beyond symbolism is dependent on how hate crime laws are implemented and enforced. Through the use of qualitative and quantitative analyses, this paper explores different combinations of police and prosecutor response to hate crime and the relationship between police and prosecutors dealing with hate crimes. As such, the results shed light on the benefits and consequences of different responses to hate crime as well as the "fit" between police and prosecutor responses within specific jurisdictions. In addition, this research also examines the effect of these criminal justice responses on aggregate case outcomes within each jurisdiction. Policy implications for addressing hate crime will be discussed. |
Updated 05/20/2006