One of the UK’s leading judges gave students an in-depth look at the future of UK family law at a special guest lecture held at the University of Bolton.

The Honourable Mr Justice Ryder addressed staff, students and guests from the local legal community. Mr Justice Ryder lectured on The Modernisation of Family Justice, an aspect of law he has been instrumental in reshaping in recent times.

Such was the lecture’s significance Vice Chancellor, Dr George Holmes, described it as ‘probably the most important lecture ever held in the history of the University’.

Earlier this year Mr Justice Ryder opened the University’s new mock Law court. Sir Ernest was born, raised and educated in Bolton. He said: ‘It is an honour to be back at the University, but also an honour to be invited back to my hometown. Bolton is still home to my happiest memories and I hope keep a watchful eye over development here at the University.’

Currently serving as High Court Judge assigned to the specialist Family Division, Mr Justice Ryder is also the senior Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit, supervising the North West’s judiciary.

His lecture touched on a several themes, from outlining his proposals for the modernisation of family justice, how these will be implemented and their possible outcomes and impact.

Vice Chancellor, Dr George Holmes, added: ‘Mr Justice Ryder’s lecture was a beautifully constructed legal lecture which outlined the challenges facing the scale and scope of family justice. I hope this is the start of growing relationship between Mr Justice Ryder and the University. We look forward to the next Ryder Lecture.’

Professor Stephen Hardy, the Diamond Jubilee Professor of Law, who hosted the lecture, said: ‘It was an absolute pleasure welcoming Mr Justice Ryder back to the University. It was a very informative lecture that benefitted our students tremendously. It is an honour – and a testament to the University’s growing reputation – to have a judge of such high esteem lecturing at Bolton.’