Hate Crime in Croatia and the United States: A Comparison of Problems and Approaches

• In Event: Hate Crime Victimization: Comparative Perspectives

Abstract

When it comes to hate crime, there are some clear differences between the United States and Croatia—but there are also many points of similarity. In both countries, ethnic and religious minorities and LGBT people are victimized. In both countries, serious problems exist with regard to reporting and prosecution of hate crime. Furthermore, Croatia’s hate crime law—newly expanded and modified as part of that country’s accession to the European Union—is very similar to laws in the United States. This paper will offer a comparison of hate crime problems and approaches in the two countries in hopes of spurring additional research and encouraging examination of policies in both nations.

Author

• Phyllis Gerstenfeld, California State University, Stanislaus