History of the Term Hate Crime

This program explores the linguistic and social evolution of the term 'hate crime,' tracing its origins from the United States in the mid-1980s to its international standardization today. It examines the use of the term in legislative acts, its adoption by international organizations like the OSCE, and the ongoing academic debates regarding terminology. Participants will learn how historical events are retrospectively categorized and the sociological distinction between hate and bias in criminal acts. The course provides a factual overview of how advocacy, media, and law helped shape our modern understanding of bias-motivated violence.