Charting the Impact of Academic Research on Australian Court Proceedings

Join the Deakin 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.

Charting the Impact of Academic Research on Australian Court Proceedings

Event Details

Charting the Impact of Academic Research on Australian Court Proceedings

When: Friday 14 August 2026
Time: 9am - 3:30pm AEST
Venue: Deakin Downtown (in person only)
Level 12 | Tower 2 | Collins Square

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
  • Professor Paula Gerber - Monash University
  • Professor Kim Rubenstein - University of Canberra, UTS and ANU
  • Professor Kate Seear - Deakin University
  • Associate Professor Tanya Josev - University of Melbourne
  • Associate Professor Ronli Sifris - Monash University
  • Dr Anne Carter - Adelaide University
  • Dr Josh Gibson - Monash University

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Hosted by the Deakin Centre for Law as Protection and the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the organisers via email: blresearch@deakin.edu.au.