The Three Black Members Of The Senate Introduced A Bill To Make Lynching A Federal Hate Crime

You sir are correct.

A lynching is defined as an execution without legal due process of law (such as a trial and conviction), which due process is constitutionally required. In that sense, lynchings were "extra-judicial executions" and, therefore, unconstitutionally illegal.

A symbolic gesture indeed.

CMSgt (Join to see) - Much of legislation is symbolic. A simple reinterpretation of the Constitution would suffice. For example, the Constitution never created slavery. That existed long before it was written and it did not include any provision sanctioning slavery. Yes, it did prevent Southern states from claiming representation by counting slaves in apportioning Representatives in Congress, but that is not a sanction of slavery. Thus, the Thirteenth Amendment was not necessary. Simply acknowledge that blacks are equally men and they enjoy all the rights and privileges of men under the liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Same for the women's right to vote. Simply interpret "men" as humankind (which is the classical interpretation) and women are likewise equal to men.

CPT Jack Durish - Thanks for the simple breakdown

As with most legislation, it doesn't actually solve anything.... MCPO Roger Collins