A hate crime is a criminal act committed against a person or their property that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's bias against a race, religion, ethnic or national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. These crimes are distinct because they target individuals or groups based on their membership in a protected category, sending a message of fear and intimidation to the broader community that shares that characteristic. Hate crimes can range from vandalism and harassment to physical assault and even homicide, and they are often prosecuted with more severe penalties than similar crimes that are not motivated by bias due to their particularly harmful impact on victims and society. Recognizing and addressing hate crimes is an important aspect of promoting social justice and protecting the rights and safety of all individuals within a community.