Charting the Impact of Academic Research on Australian Court Proceedings

Join the Centre for Law as Protection and the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law for a timely and thought-provoking event exploring the growing influence of academic research in Australian court proceedings.

📅 Date: 14 August 2026 (Friday)
⏰ Time: 9:00am-3:30pm
📍 Venue: Deakin Downtown (In person only)

This full-day forum brings together leading judges, scholars, and practitioners to examine how academic research shapes legal reasoning, informs advocacy, and contributes to the development of the law. Speakers from the judiciary, the legal profession and academia will explore the utility and value of academic research in judicial decision-making.

The program will open with a keynote address from The Hon Justice Kristen Walker, offering her perspective on the role of academic research in judicial decision-making, based on her experience as an academic, a barrister and now a judge.

Two expert panels will follow, featuring distinguished academics and practitioners who will share their experiences and critically examine how research is used in litigation and judicial reasoning.

Attendees will gain:

• Insight into how courts engage with academic research
• Practical perspectives from leading legal practitioners and scholars
• A deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges in bridging academia and legal practice
• Opportunities to connect with researchers, advocates, and members of the judiciary.

Guest speakers:

• Kristen Walker AM KC - Court of Appeal of Victoria
• Kate Eastman AM SC - NSW Bar and UTS
• Prof Paula Gerber - Monash University
• Prof Kim Rubenstein - University of Canberra, UTS and ANU
• Prof Kate Seear - Deakin University
• A/Prof Tanya Josev - University of Melbourne
• A/Prof Ronli Sifris - Monash University
• Dr Anne Carter - Adelaide University
• Dr Josh Gibson - Monash University

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact blresearch@deakin.edu.au.