Research Paper on:
The Results of the Stephen Lawrence Report

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
was to act as a catalyst. The tragic event and the failures in the subsequent investigation lead to an inquiry that has both damned the authorities and made extensive recommendations.  The inquiry has also led to new legislation to reduce the impact of racism in todays society/ The inquiry was initiated on the 1st of July 1997 with Sir William  Macpherson of Cluny as the Chairman supported by Mr Tom Cook, the Right Reverend Dr. John Senamu and Dr Richard Stone. The resulting report of the Steen Lawrence Inquiry, also  referred to as the Macpherson report. In looking at some of the reports findings it is apparent how these have influence later legislation and the responsibility that is placed on  the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE). The Steven Lawrence Report was one of the most critical reports that has been published (CRE, 1999). It was as a result of this  there were recognised need for change in the police force and the acceptance of the existence of institutional racism (CRE, 1999). Jack Straw said of this report "The Macpherson report  challenges us all, not just the police service", while this is true, the police service were under an obligation that was no different whatever the race or background of the  victims whos death they were investigating. The issue of racism is important, as it is seen as this issue that lead to the way police powers were used and the  lack of accountability that was shown during the investigation. The report outlines many failures, such as the slow response to the crime,  its failure to be recognised as a racial motivated crime and a lack of commitment to its resolution (CRE, 1999). This tackles the main cause issue, but also looks to