Hate crimes

HATE CRIMES Bulut, İlhan MA, Department of Public Law Supervisor: Ast. Prof. Dr. Erdal Yerdelen January 2014, XV + 183 Pages Hate crimes can be defined as "the crimes that committed with a hatred and prejudice against people for their basic characteristics that cannot be changed". Commonly known as hate or prejudice, these crimes harm the victims more than the other crimes and have serious effects on target group and society. Regulated first in the USA at the end of 1970s, hate crimes have been accepted largely in Europe and AGIT countries to a great extend for 30 years. International institutions like European Union, European Commission and AGIT have been launching some instructions and recommendations on hate crimes and issues within that kind of crimes. There are some basic arguments in hate crimes such as how to consider "hate" and "prejudice" concepts, what characteristics can be included within hate crimes category and what basic crimes can be punished more when committed with hate motivation. As a result of these arguments, it has been found that there are different models regarding the way those crimes are committed and the scope of their motivation. Another essential point, characteristics, can be divided into three categories: universally protected characteristics according to the frequency of committing, frequently protected characteristics and rarely protected characteristics. Hate crimes have been discussed largely in Turkey recently. It can be clearly seen that NGOs have been struggling to legislate them and the government has been making serious regulations for them. In this context, the sociological dimension of hate crimes in Turkey, the current situation in the legislation and required qualities in possible changes should be discusseded. In this study, some basis concepts related to hate crimes like hate, prejudice, motivation have been explained. In addition, fundamental discussions and the situation of hate crimes in the international law, the situation of these crimes in terms of crime theory, the themes of hate crimes in Turkey have been studied. There are also, evaluations and recommendations for a possible legislation in Turkey. Key words: Hate crimes, hate, prejudice, motivation, hate crime laws