Date of Graduation

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

Committee Chair

James J., III Nolan

Abstract

This paper investigates racial differences in rates of arrest for violent hate crimes against persons. Using 2002 NIBRS data compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, I develop and test logistic regression models which illuminate race’s influence on the police decision to arrest in violent hate crime incidents. Analyses of these models yield mixed support for hypotheses derived from the conflict perspective, central to which is the proposition that, within a class society, dominant groups use criminal law to increase their control of minority groups in order to maintain power and privileges historically reserved for elites. Results of analysis show that the presence of a principal Asian or Native American offender in a violent hate crime incident significantly increases the odds of an arrest. A major injury suffered by the principal victim in a violent hate crime incident also significantly increases the odds of an arrest.

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