to wonder if the stephen lawrence trial could have ended any other way?

[verdictisin]

First, the murder of Stephen and the police's attitude were both terrible things and I strongly believe that both were as a result of racism. I am also not claiming that the verdict is wrong. I have not seen the evidence (only what the media has chosen to share).

The history of this case with its widespread publicity, the naming and shaming of the lads, and the video of the racism (despicable as it was it did not show a confession) all must have made it difficult for the jury.

But even if they had reasonable doubts, do you think the jury could have said not guilty?

Iaintfromkansas, you had better fucking not be referring to me. The fact that you don't appear to have any understanding of double jeopardy doesn't preclude others from having that knowledge.

Mychild, basically the old double jeopardy rule was an important protection for the individual against the power of the state. One of the ways in which the state can abuse an individual is by continually trying and re-trying them for the same offence: it's a very effective harassment and persecution tool. I understand your arguments, and would not pretend this is a simple issue. However, I would suggest that any fellow supporter of racial equality might also want to consider who it is that tends to get the less fair end of the justice system. And who, if this rule were abused, might be most likely to fall foul of it. I would certainly not assume that any restriction on civil liberties at all is likely to benefit young black men in areas like South London. Call me a cynic if you like.

Thank goodness for the changes to the double jeopardy law

Were it not for the incompetence of the police....there may well have been a conviction some 18 years ago.

Hopefully (and with enough evidence) the others will also come to trial...

Unfortunately the ignorant, blatant racist hatred still very much exists. Anyone see the elderly guy on the news programme last night saying that the guys were stitched up....because a "N**r was done" and another woman ranting on about how the government lets all these people in....who take our jobs and housing etc?

Thankfully I think we are becoming more tolerant as a whole....and far less tolerant of racist views.

Although....perhaps "tolerant" is the wrong word.

We are not just more "tolerant" of races other than our own...but more accepting and welcoming I think (as a society)

maypole, why would there have been a race war, who would have started it? there was no police incompetence in this case. the police deliberately did not investigate the crime. they had leads from the community that they chose not to follow up.