BBC NEWS | Special Report | 1999 | 02/99 | Stephen Lawrence

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Thursday, 25 March, 1999, 18:43 GMT

The Lawrence inquiry

The UK Government unveiled a string of initiatives after the Macpherson inquiry severely criticised the police for its handling of the Stephen Lawrence murder investigation. BBC News Online examines the report, reaction and the background to the racist killing.

Police in the dock
The report into the murder of Stephen Lawrence labelled London's police force "institutionally racist" and condemned officers for "fundamental errors".

Macpherson's key recommendations
Criticisms of the Met Police
The Home Secretary promises reform

The full reportThe Home Secretary's full action plan

Doreen Lawrence: Nothing's changed
The mother of Stephen Lawrence said the report "only scratched the surface" and added that the police investigated his death "like white masters during slavery".

Condon accepts new meaning of racism
Racism killed my best friend
Reaction: Quotes at-a-glance
Met police 'bruised, battered and bewildered'

The ugly facts
Stephen Lawrence is the most famous victim of a racial attack but there have been many others. How bad is the problem of racial violence in Britain?

Landmark ruling gives hope for Lawrences
Double jeopardy: The defendant's friend
Media impact
Who polices the police?
Police race measures 'inadequate'

Stephen Lawrence
A clear picture of the promising youth has become lost in the crusade fought in his name.

Neville and Doreen Lawrence Stephen's parents
Sir Paul Condon: Metropolitan Police Commissioner
Sir William Macpherson: Judge, author of report
Michael Mansfield QC: Lawrence lawyer
In the spotlight: The five suspects

The long search for truth
How a brutal murder in 1993 became the driving force to improve race relations in Britain.

Chronology of events
Interactive A look back at the twists and turns of the six-year Lawrence saga