This is the third mock trial that Hillel has organized as a means of promoting awareness of hate crimes. The defendant was on trial for both battery and a hate-crime enhancer, which would intensify a verdict based on the crime's prejudicial nature. The scenario was intentionally set up so that the focus would remain on the question of hate crimes. It's not based on the race or sexual preference of the victim, but on the perception of their race or sexual preference. Determining what is a hate crime is subject to interpretation, and the trial exemplified the complications dealt with in a court of law.
Perception makes the job of the prosecution and jury very complicated.
A clear-cut conclusion of this complicated issue was not reached during the exercise, but the exercise brought it to discussion amongst the students. It was a very valuable experience, because it drew a lot of attention to issues which people don't talk about, issues which are relevant and important. Assistant State Public Defender Mitchell Cooper, who acted as the judge, emphasized the importance of this issue on campuses today. He said the issue of hate crimes has pertinent on campus. Another trial is scheduled for next semester.