Judge Wendy Beetlestone delivered the second Annual Heseltine Institute Lecture yesterday, Monday 11 December.
A packed audience from the legal world and from across the North West heard the Chancellor of the University of Liverpool deliver an enthralling lecture on ‘Upholding Justice: The Importance of Judicial Independence in an Age of Uncertainty.’
In her first formal lecture on campus since taking up the position of Chancellor, Wendy drew upon her experience as a District Court Judge in the USA to discuss the impact of judicial decision making on urban policy.
Drawing on significant judicial decisions in both the UK and USA, Wendy set out how the independence of the judiciary can be upheld against the backdrop of unprecedented challenges faced by policy makers today.
An alumna of the University of Liverpool, Wendy graduated with a BA (Hons) in Philosophy in 1984, before embarking on a career as a TV journalist, entering the legal profession a decade later.
In 2014 she was nominated by US President Barack Obama to serve as a District Court Judge covering both civil and criminal cases involving the US Constitution, US statutes, and diversity cases between citizens of different states.
Wendy was formally installed as University Chancellor earlier this year and returns to Liverpool this week to congratulate members of the Class of 2023 taking part in the Winter graduation.
Judge Wendy Beetlestone with the Co Directors at the Heseltine Institute, Professor Catherine Durose and Professor Sue Jarvis
Co-Directors of the Heseltine Institute, Professor Catherine Durose and Professor Sue Jarvis, opened the lecture and chaired a lively discussion with questions from the audience.
Professor Catherine Durose said: “We were really pleased that Judge Beetlestone was to deliver the second lecture in our annual series.
“It was fascinating to hear Wendy’s thoughts not only on how judicial decisions impact on public policy, but also the importance of judicial independence in helping us to meet the challenges we face as a society, from radical uncertainty to complexity. Wendy offered a compelling analysis of these issues which are at the core of our work in the Heseltine Institute.
Professor Sue Jarvis added: “The lecture was a perfect example of the University’s convening power and of the valuable role the Heseltine Institute can play in creating spaces where research, policy, practice and community stakeholders can come together and foster collaboration in response to urban challenges and opportunities.
“We would like to thank Wendy for joining us and look forward to welcoming further speakers to campus as part of this prestigious Annual Heseltine Lecture series.”