Hate crime – a change of emphasis

The Law Commission is considering proposals to reform hate crime laws. Hate crime is where a victim is targeted, perhaps for an assault, criminal damage or harassment, based on a protected characteristic. What are protected characteristics? Currently, the protected characteristics are race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and transgender identity. Why are reforms needed? The Commission … Continued

Publishing Hate Material – what sentences are the courts passing ?

The recent case of Jay Davison acts as a stark reminder of the consequences that can flow if hate material is published. Davison was convicted of three offences of publishing material with intent to stir up racial hatred, for which he was subsequently sentenced to a period of four years’ imprisonment to run concurrently on … Continued