What is a hate crime?

A hate crime is defined as a criminal offense that is motivated by bias against a person's race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. This definition is crucial because it highlights the underlying motive of the crime, which distinguishes hate crimes from other types of criminal activity. The focus on bias underscores the social impact of these crimes, as they typically aim to intimidate not just the individual victim but also the larger community that the victim represents. This broader context makes hate crimes particularly concerning, as they contribute to societal divisions and can instill fear within entire groups based on their identity.

The other options do not encapsulate the essence of what constitutes a hate crime. A violent act committed in a public setting could be unrelated to any bias and may not arise from hate or discrimination, making it a general crime rather than a hate crime. An accident resulting in injury due to negligence does not involve intent or bias and falls outside the realm of intentional criminal behavior. Lastly, a crime involving two or more perpetrators targeting a victim does not inherently indicate a hate crime unless it is motivated by bias, thus lacking the specific motivational component that is essential in defining hate crimes.