“Knockout Game” Against Elderly Can Be Construed as Hate Crime
Author: Roslyn Myers, J.D., M.A..
Source: Volume 19, Number 03, Winter 2017 , pp.49-50(2)
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Abstract:
The “knockout game” is seen by some experts as part of a larger trend toward “thrill assaults” but in jurisdictions where age and disability are covered by hate crime legislation, the “knockout game” may invite a prosecution that seeks the severe penalties of hate crime violations. The author provides a brief history of the disturbing phenomenon, including several notable U.S. victims, and observations from field professionals.Keywords: Kristian Gonzalez; “sucker punched”; social media; intentional selection; “Miley Cyrus Effect”
Affiliations:
1: Editor.