Neurolaw: The Brain, Cognition & Communication 2026

Introduction

• Meet the presenter and learn about the development and scope of neurolaw
• Review the program objectives and learner outcomes

Part One: Cognitive Neuroscience 101

• Review basic brain anatomy and terminology, including the cerebral cortex and its functions, functional and structural networks, and connections to systems and behavioral neuroscience
• Explore the foundations of cognition, including language and the brain, classical and modern models of language processing, and the creation of mental representations through comprehension
• Examine cognitive communication through grounded and distributed models and introduce cognitive limitations and disabilities

Part Two: Neurolaw and Policy 101

• Trace the history of neuroscience in the law, including historical policies and beliefs and the evolution of modern standards and guidelines concerning insanity, competency, and related issues
• Examine technological, academic, and policy developments in neurolaw, including key judicial cases and international and multinational trends
• Identify relevant standards and guidelines for clients, practitioners, and the legal system

Break

Part Three: Neurolaw Syntheses: Social-Legal Cognition

• Introduce social-legal cognition through biopsychosocial models and definitions, research findings, and the concept of effective participation
• Examine biopsychosociolegal approaches and consider individual and environmental risk factors that may affect legal participation
• Explore social-legal confounds involving language, communication dyads, and environmental stressors

Part Four: Neurolaw and Neurodisability

• Review historical, medical, modern functional, and biopsychosocial models for understanding neurodisability
• Examine common neurodisability conditions and their cognitive and behavioral consequences, along with demographic and quantitative findings concerning neurodisability and the law
• Consider the implications of neurodisability for effective participation in legal proceedings and address frequently asked questions about neurolaw

Part Five: Solutions and Interventions

• Explore modifications to support effective participation, including communication strategies, resources, and practical examples
• Examine potential reforms, including alternative legal venues, resources, and examples
• Consider reimagined legal approaches and resources for addressing cognitive and communication differences

Part Six: Conclusion and Future Directions

• Examine current neurolaw trends and consider the challenges and promises shaping the field

Program Concludes