Stephen Lawrence Inquiry

Terms of Reference: “To inquire into the matters arising from the death of Stephen Lawrence on 22 April 1993 to date, in order particularly to identify the lessons to be learned for the investigation and prosecution of racially motivated crimes.”

Chair: Sir William MacPherson of Cluny

Panel Members:

Tom Cook

The Right Reverend Dr Sentamu

Dr Richard Stone

Dates:

· Establishment: 31 July 1997

· Hearings: First preliminary hearing on 8 October 1997; hearings lasted 59 days

· Report: 15 February 1999

Link to website and or download report:

http://www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/cm42/4262/4262.htm

Description of the events which caused the public concern:

The murder of black British teenager Stephen Lawrence whilst waiting at a bus stop on 22 April 1993.

Litigation

R v. Chairman of Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, ex parte A’Court, The Times, 25 July 1998

Brooks v. Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis [2002] EWCA Civ 407; [2002] PoLR 88

Summary of report’s recommendations

The report made several detailed findings (including that the Metropolitan Police Service was institutionally racist) and recommendations. These covered the following areas:-

· Openness, accountability and the restoration of confidence

· Definition of a racist incident

· Reporting and recording of racist incidents and crimes

· Police practice and the investigation of racist crime

· Family liaison

· Victims and witnesses

· Prosecution of racist crime

· First aid training

· Racism awareness and valuing cultural diversity

· Employment, discipline and complaints

· Stop and search

· Recruitment and retention

· Prevention and the role of education