William Macpherson (judge) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Macpherson
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Clan Chief Sir William Macpherson (right)
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| High Court Judge | |
| In office 24 September 1983 – 30 September 1996 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Alan Macpherson
1 April 1926 Blairgowrie, Perth and Kinross |
| Died | 14 February 2021 (aged 94) |
| Spouse |
Sheila McDonald Brodie
(m. 1962; died 2003) |
| Education | Wellington College |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Oxford |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch/service |  British Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | Scots Guards, Special Air Service |
Sir William Alan Macpherson of Cluny (born 1 April 1926 – died 14 February 2021) was an important judge in England and Wales. He was also the 27th Hereditary Chief of Clan Macpherson, a historic Scottish family.
Sir William worked as a lawyer and later became a judge in the High Court. After he retired in 1996, he led a major public investigation. This investigation looked into the murder of Stephen Lawrence and its findings in 1999 were very important for British law. Many people say his report changed how justice works in the UK.
Besides his legal career, Sir William was also a military officer. He served in the 21st Special Air Service Regiment of the British Territorial Army. He was also involved with several Scottish societies and a rugby club.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sir William Macpherson was born in Blairgowrie, Scotland, on 1 April 1926. He was the only son of Brigadier Alan David Macpherson, who was also a Clan Chief.
He went to Summer Fields School and Wellington College. Later, he studied at Trinity College, Oxford, where he learned about philosophy, politics, economics, and then law.
Military Service
From 1944 to 1947, Sir William was a captain in the Scots Guards, a British Army regiment. He was also part of the 21st Special Air Service Regiment. During his time in the military, he worked in countries like Denmark, France, and Norway.
He later became the commanding officer of his regiment from 1962 to 1965. He also served as an honorary colonel from 1983 to 1991.
Career as a Judge
Sir William Macpherson began his legal career in 1952 when he became a common law barrister. This meant he could argue cases in court.
In 1972, he became a judge for the Crown Court. Then, in 1983, he was appointed a judge in the High Court of England and Wales. He was given the title of Knight (Sir) in the same year. He worked as a leading judge for the Northern Circuit from 1984 to 1988 before retiring in 1996.
The Macpherson Report
In 1997, Sir William was chosen to lead an important investigation into the murder of Stephen Lawrence. Stephen Lawrence was a young man whose murder raised many questions about justice.
Sir William's report, known as the Macpherson Report, was published in February 1999. It was 350 pages long and included over 70 suggestions for changes. This report is seen as one of the most important moments in the history of British criminal justice.
Impact of the Report
The report suggested new ways to make the police more accountable. It also led to changes in the law, allowing for new trials if new evidence appeared. The report was groundbreaking because it openly talked about unfair treatment within organizations like the Metropolitan Police.
The Guardian newspaper called it "one of the most significant moments in the history of UK criminal justice." Sir William himself felt that great progress had been made, but also knew there was still more to do.
Personal Life and Family
Sir William Macpherson married Sheila McDonald Brodie in 1962. They had three children: two sons and one daughter. Sheila passed away in 2003. One of their sons died before Sir William, and his other son, James Brodie Macpherson, became the 28th Chief of the Macpherson clan after his father's death.
The Macpherson family has owned Newton Castle near Blairgowrie since 1787. This castle was Sir William's home from 1936 until he died. In his later years, he lived there with his companion, Lady Hilary Burnham. Sir William enjoyed hobbies like archery, fishing, and golf. He passed away at his home on 14 February 2021, at the age of 94.
