Legal News

L.A. County has most hate crimes in five years, study finds

By Jason Siegel

Hate crimes reported in Los Angeles County were at the highest level in five years in 2007, despite crime dropping by 6 percent, finds a report by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations.

Hate crimes increased by 28 percent - from 763 in 2007 to 594 in 2006, with most based on race, sexual orientation and religion.

The report recognizes that hate crimes are underreported, citing a The National Crime Victim Survey by the U.S. Justice Department which found between 24 to 28 times more hate crimes than the number reported by police to the FBI.

People in South Los Angeles weren't surprised that there was an increase, they were surprised the numbers were so low, KNBC reported. (WATCH)

"Report: Hate crimes hit 5-year high in LA County," The Associated Press

LISTEN: "Hate Crimes Up in L.A. County," KPCC Public Radio
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14-year old charged with killing gay classmate to be tried as adult

A 14-year old teen charged with killing his gay classmate will be tried as an adult, Ventura County Superior Court Judge Douglas Daily ruled yesterday. If convicted, he could face a life sentence.

Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on July 25, 2008 (boomark / email).