Hate Crime - Law & Practice for Criminal Lawyers

Introduction

In the last decade we have seen an increase in the reporting and recording of hate crimes, as well as prosecutions. Government statistics indicate that just over 40,000 hate crimes were recorded in the year ending March 2013, compared with 155,841 being recorded in the year ending March 2022.

This is a relatively unique area of criminal law; it is one of the few that requires the jury or magistrates to examine the motivation of the alleged offender in order to determine guilt. In most crimes, motive is not relevant to proving the offence; in hate crimes it may well be the deciding factor.

This virtual classroom seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of the law and practice around hate crime. It will include case studies, analysis of legislation and practical guidance.

What You Will Learn

This live broadcast will cover the following:

• The evolution of hate crime law
• An overview of the legislation
• Analysis of key concepts within the legislation
• What do we mean by ‘hostility’?
• How does the prosecution prove that someone is ‘motivated by’ hate?
• An overview of statutory offences
• Practical tips: things to consider when you have a hate crime case
• Hate crime updates: what has been happening recently?
• Things to look out for: possible future developments

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.