Qualification of Vandalism Committed for Extremist Reasons

Relevance. The analysis of judicial and investigative practice and the survey of practical staff showed that the qualification of vandalism committed on the grounds of political, ideological, racial, national or religious hatred or enmity, or hatred or enmity against a certain social group (extremist motives) causes a number of difficulties for the law enforcement officer. The evaluation of concepts and the lack of their interpretation contribute to making incorrect decisions and cause erroneous qualification.
Purpose. Based on the results of a comprehensive analysis of the signs of an extremist motive, the study of court decisions and scientific literature, to develop reasonable proposals that contribute to the correct qualification of vandalism committed for the studied motives.
Objectives: to investigate the categorical and conceptual apparatus that makes up the content of extremist motives, in order to interpret concepts and identify definitions that cause difficulties for law enforcement subjects and require clarification at the level of judicial interpretation, or amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. During the study of forensic investigative practice and scientific literature, pay attention to the points that cause difficulties in qualification and formulate proposals for their elimination.
Methodology. The research is based on general scientific methods (dialectical, analysis, synthesis) and private scientific methods (formal legal and sociological).
Results. The study analyzes the signs of vandalism committed for extremist motives, considers the points of view of scientists on qualifications, the motives under consideration, taking into account different criteria and established law enforcement practice. There were also identified gaps in the current legislation that cause difficulties in qualifying vandalism committed from these motives.
Conclusions. On the basis of judicial and investigative practice and scientific literature, the article draws conclusions and makes scientifically based proposals for the qualification of vandalism committed on the grounds of political, ideological, racial, national or religious hatred or enmity, or hatred or enmity against a certain social group.

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