What defines a hate crime in relation to the selection of a victim?

A hate crime is defined by the motivation behind the selection of the victim, specifically when the victim is targeted because of their perceived or actual characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. This means that the offender's choice is driven by bias or prejudice against a particular group.

When an individual selects a victim based on prejudice, it reflects a deeper social issue where the act of violence or crime is not merely a random occurrence or motivated by personal grievances, but rather is aimed at a broader group of people who share certain characteristics. This legal distinction is crucial as it recognizes that such acts are not just attacks on one individual, but also attacks on the community or society as a whole, promoting hatred and discrimination.

In contrast, selecting a victim due to opportunity, geographical location, or a prior relationship does not reflect the underlying bias or prejudice that characterizes hate crimes. These motivations pertain more to circumstances surrounding the crime rather than the perpetrator's animus towards a protected group. Thus, understanding the motivations behind selecting victims helps to identify and categorize hate crimes appropriately in the context of law enforcement and criminal justice.