How can an offense be proved to be aggravated by prejudice towards a characteristic?

An offense can be proved to be aggravated by prejudice towards a characteristic based on evidence from a single source. This is particularly relevant in cases of hate crimes or offenses motivated by prejudice against certain characteristics, such as race, sexual orientation, or religion. The legal framework recognizes that even a single credible source can provide sufficient proof that an offense was committed with aggravating factors related to prejudice.

This approach allows for greater accessibility in proving hate-related offenses, acknowledging that such motivations might often not be explicitly documented or may not require extensive corroboration. A single source of evidence could include testimonies, written documentation, or other forms of evidence that clearly indicate the prejudiced motive behind the offense.

The requirement for a single source differs from other practices where corroborated evidence or multiple sources may be necessary to establish the facts of a case. This distinction highlights the recognition of the serious implications of a crime motivated by prejudice, warranting a different standard of proof. In sum, the emphasis is on the sufficiency of a credible single piece of evidence to establish that prejudice played a role in the commission of the offense.