Neuroscience, neurotechnology and criminal justice: Themes, recent developments and possible trajectories
What you'll learn
CPD areas: Substantive law
While brain scans have been referred to by expert witnesses in criminal matters in New South Wales for some time, police forces in some overseas jurisdictions are now engaging in neural monitoring during police interviews.
Neuroscience and neurotechnology seem increasingly likely to intersect with the criminal justice system. Developments in brain-computer interfaces, neural data analytics and neuromodulation systems may raise questions for actus reus, the defences and sentencing. At the same time, emerging uses of neural data in policing sharpen concerns about mental privacy and freedom of thought.
Recent institutional engagement underscores the need for informed professional awareness. The Australian Human Rights Commission, together with initiatives involving INTERPOL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, has begun addressing neurotechnology in justice and law enforcement contexts. This CPD session will identify key themes, outline recent developments, and explore possible trajectories, with a focus on how lawyers can navigate emerging risks of neurosurveillance, manipulation and rights infringement within criminal justice systems, as well as challenges to legal doctrine.
Once enrolled, you will be provided a link to the recording and can watch on demand from Thursday 29 October 2026.
Presenter: Prof Allan McCay
2026/27 Criminal Law
CPD Series
This webinar is part of the 2026/27 Criminal Law CPD Series features eight recorded webinars led by experts from the University of Sydney and the legal profession.
The webinars share practical knowledge and experience, as well as the latest developments to enhance your expertise while meeting CPD requirements. You'll have the flexibility to access the content at your convenience, allowing you to engage at your own pace from any location at any time.
Enrolment options include:
- Enrol in individual webinars*
- Enrol in the entire series at a 27% saving compared to enrolling in webinars individually*
- Enrol in 5 or more webinars to receive a 10% discount
University of Sydney alumni and staff are eligible to receive a further 10% discount.
See the SeriesCPD accreditation
Information for lawyers and barristers
If this educational activity is relevant to your professional development and practice of the law, then you should claim 1.5 MCLE/CPD points per webinar or 12 units for the full series. Practitioners are advised to check with the CPD governing body in their jurisdiction for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Find out about interstate accreditation.
This course is designed for lawyers and barristers aiming to meet their annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. It's also suitable for anyone interested in staying informed about the latest developments in criminal law.
This is a pre-recorded online webinar. Once enrolled, you will be provided a link to the recording and can watch on demand from Thursday, 27 February 2025.
Materials
All course materials are delivered online via a video link and password provided by email at the time of enrolment.
Software
We recommend using a desktop computer or laptop. Ensure compatibility by accessing Canvas on the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
Viewing on a mobile device? If you're using the Canvas app, please download the latest version and adjust your app settings to access all images and videos on the site.
All courses must be paid in advance of commencing your course. We accept the following payment methods:
- Mastercard
- Visa
- American Express (only available for enrolments made through the Sydney Short Courses website)
- Electronic Funds Transfer (for company invoices only)
- Journal Transfer (for University of Sydney Staff only)
Please see our Payment Options for further information.
I have enrolled in a Sydney Short Courses course, what happens now?
Once your enrolment has been processed, you will receive the following emails:
- Enrolment confirmation: you will receive this immediately after your enrolment has been processed.
- Tax invoice: the payer of your enrolment will receive this immediately after your enrolment has been processed.
For some courses, you may also recieve the following:
- Course reminders: you will receive emails from Sydney Short Courses in the lead up to the course starting. These include information about the course and, if required, the schedule for online or face-to-face sessions.
- Course materials: if you are enrolled in a course that provides reading or other downloadable materials, you will get access to these materials prior to the class commencing.
- Online session links: you will receive reminder emails the day before and the day of each live session containing the meeting link and meeting ID.
Upcoming classes
Related courses
Facilitators
