Ethnic Intimidation Law and Legal Definition
Ethnic intimidation refers to acts of malicious and intentional intimidation or harassment of another person because of that person's race, color, religion, gender, or national origin. This conduct must also (a) cause physical contact with another person, (b) damage, destroy, or deface real or personal property, or (c) threaten to do any of the acts stated above, if there is reasonable cause to believe that such an act will occur.
The following is an example for a state statute (Michigan) detailing ethnic intimidation : According to MCLS § 750.147b., ethnic intimidation is a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or by a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both. A person who suffers injury to his/her person or damage to his/her property as a result of ethnic intimidation may sue the person who committed the offense to secure an injunction, actual damages, including damages for emotional distress, or other appropriate relief not considering the existence or outcome of any criminal prosecution.
