, are some worth 50 years in prison and others worth life? Punishments should be the same regardless of what group committed what crime against whatever group or why. Officials should set standard punishments for specific crimes and those laws should be followed despite motive. Additionally, giving harsher punishment to certain people because of whom they killed or why will add fuel to the argument made by those who think that some are receiving extra protection or preferential treatment. This type of ruling is a slap in the face, or insult, to victims of crimes not considered hate crimes, by implying that victims of hate crimes are worth more (Reese 1). This would also "make racist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan angrier and could create more crime" (Leo 1). This would be doing more harm than good.Thirdly, the whole concept of punishing crimes differently because of motive is senseless, unnecessary, and an injustice. The act of increasing punishment for hate-motivated crimes is focusing on crimes that are already illegal (Reese 1). Thinking about a crime and executing it is already considered a crime in itself. This is called first degree murder. The convict is actually being punished twice, which is unjust. This concept is also unjust because the Constitution says that everyone has the right to a fair trial. Criminals can be prosecuted for multiple charges, but hate should never be one of them. In many cases, the maximum penalty for a crime is death. If the same crime were a hate crime, lawyers would want to increase the punishment. However, the death penalty cannot be worsened. This senseless concepts should have been more thought out. Also, officials are in favor of this type of punishment because it is said to have a deterrent effect. Meaning that, if criminals know that these laws exist criminals will think twice about committing a crime. But lawmakers failed to see that this is the point of any law. Look at how much crime this co...
