1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated March 18, 2021Department of Justices Role in Investigating and Prosecuting Hate CrimesIn 2019, law enforcement agencies reported 7,314 hate crimes involving 8,812 victims and 6,406 known offenders to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Most hate crimes
2、are investigated by local law enforcement agencies and prosecuted by local district attorneys offices. However, in some cases hate crimes are investigated and prosecuted by the Department of Justice (DOJ). In the wake of high-profile hate crimes, policymakers might have an interest in the circumstan
3、ces under which DOJ has jurisdiction over hate crime cases. This In Focus describes when DOJ can investigate hate crimes and how these investigations are conducted. Federal Hate Crime Statutes DOJ identifies several statutes under which it can prosecute hate crimes. The Matthew Shepard and James Byr
4、d, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, 2009 (18 U.S.C. 249) Under this statute, it is a federal crime to willfully cause bodily injury, or attempt to do so using a dangerous weapon, because of the victims actual or perceived race, color, religion, or national origin. The statute also covers crimes commi
