Law Commission – Hate Crime: The Case for Extending the Existing Offence

On 11th September 2013 by Mark Walters

This symposium forms part of the consultation exercise in the current Law Commission project examining the case for extending the existing hate crime offences under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Public Order Act 1986, so that all these offences would apply to race, religion, disability, transgender identity and sexual orientation. The Commission’s consultation paper was published on 27 June and can be accessed at:

http://lawcommission.justice.gov.uk/consultations/hate_crime.htm

This event will bring together around 120 individuals invited because of their expertise and interest in these issues. There will be a series of panel debates on each of the key topics considered in the consultation paper: enhanced sentencing where hostility is an aggravating factor; aggravated offences; and the offences of stirring up hatred. Expert panelists will be drawn from a broad spectrum including criminal justice agencies, legal practice, academia and non-governmental organisations active in the field.

Each panel session will begin with a short topic overview. There will then be brief presentations by each of the expert panelists, followed by an open debate and questions from the floor.

As the final date to respond to the Law Commission’s consultation is 27 September, this event offers a timely opportunity to improve understanding of the issues and debate the provisional proposals.

This event will be followed by a drinks reception to which all attendees are invited.

http://www.law.qmul.ac.uk/events/items/110526.html