National Symposium 2026
Memory, Trauma, Evidence
and the Courts

21–22 August 2026| Adelaide

Join judicial officers, legal practitioners and researchers for two days exploring memory, trauma, evidence and the courts.

The National Judicial College of Australia welcomes you to the National Symposium 2026: Memory, Trauma, Evidence and the Courts, to be held in Adelaide from 21–22 August 2026.

Over two days, delegates will explore contemporary research and practical insights into memory, trauma and evidence, and their impact on legal practice and judicial decision-making.

ABOUT THE SYMPOSIUM

A National Gathering of Judicial and Legal Professionals

The National Symposium 2026 brings together judicial officers, legal practitioners, academics and researchers to explore the evolving relationship between memory science and the law.

Across two days, delegates will examine contemporary developments in memory formation, trauma, suggestibility, investigative interviewing and evidentiary assessment. Through keynote presentations, expert-led discussions and practical learning sessions, attendees will gain valuable insights into how memory research can inform legal practice and judicial decision-making.

View the Program
Leading Experts

Leading Experts

Gain insights from leading experts across law, psychology and neuroscience.

Contemporary Research and Practice

Contemporary Research and Practice

Explore current developments in memory science and their implications for courts, legal practitioners and decision-makers.

Practical Learning and Discussion

Practical Learning and Discussion

Engage with complex legal and evidentiary issues through expert-led sessions, discussion and experiential learning

The full Symposium program, including sessions and key event details, is available to view and download below.

Topics

Explore the major themes and focus areas of the Symposium

Foundations of Memory

Examining the neurobiological foundations of memory and their relevance to legal proceedings and evidentiary assessment.

Trauma and Memory

Exploring the relationship between trauma, memory phenomena and witness recall within legal contexts.

Memory Malleability and Suggestibility

Understanding how memory can be influenced and the implications for evidence and decision-making.

Investigative Interviewing

Reviewing contemporary interviewing approaches and their role in obtaining reliable information and evidence.

Judicial Decision-Making

Considering how memory science can inform judicial reasoning and the assessment of evidence.

Event Repetition and Litigation

Examining the challenges associated with repeated events, recollection and litigation involving memory-based evidence.

Children's Memory and Suggestibility

Exploring current research relating to children's memory, suggestibility and participation in legal proceedings.

Program

View the full schedule of plenary addresses, workshops, and events.