Lawson & Weitzen attorney Madison Bader recently published an article in the Boston Bar Journal titled "Addressing Hate Crimes: Massachusetts Can Do Better." With co-author Christina Miller, Madison addresses gaps in how Massachusetts reports and addresses hate crimes.
These suggestions include:
Requiring law enforcement agencies to report hate crimes under the Massachusetts Hate Crimes Reporting Act
Increasing training about what constitutes a hate crime under Massachusetts law
Implementing policies for law enforcement to employ community outreach and ensure appropriate responses to hate crimes
Establishing a "diversity awareness program" to address the hateful intent harbored by those adjudicated responsible for hate crimes in an effort to prevent future hateful acts
Congratulations to Madison for this thoughtful article that will undoubtedly benefit the bar and Massachusetts as a whole.