What term describes a criminal offense motivated by bias against race, religion, or other protected characteristics?

The term that accurately describes a criminal offense motivated by bias against race, religion, or other protected characteristics is known as a bias crime. This type of crime is specifically characterized by the perpetrator's prejudice or hatred towards a particular group, which can include aspects like race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

Bias crimes are significant in law enforcement and criminal justice because they not only harm the immediate victim but can also instill fear and anxiety within the targeted community. Recognizing and categorizing crimes as bias-motivated helps in addressing broader social issues, providing necessary resources, and enhancing community relations through focused law enforcement efforts.

In contrast, prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or feelings about a person or group, which may not necessarily result in a criminal act. Discrimination involves actions taken against individuals based on their group identity, and it can manifest in various ways, but it does not specifically denote a criminal offense. Stereotypes are generalized beliefs about a group, which can contribute to prejudice and discrimination, without necessarily being tied to criminal behavior.

Thus, bias crime specifically addresses the intersection where criminal activity and biased motivation exist, making it the precise term for the scenario presented in the question.