Key Information
When
25th September 2025
12pm - 1pm
Where
Online | Bld 28, Room 4, JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, Douglas
Cost
Free
Audience
Current Students; Public and Community; Research and Industry
Contact
Project Officer – Law | lisa.dale@jcu.edu.au
Add to Calendar
Event details
Join us for this compelling presentation exploring the vital role psychological reports play in criminal proceedings. Presented by experienced criminal barrister Claire Grant and leading forensic psychologist Catherine Stipis who will provide expert insight into how these reports influence court outcomes, from charge negotiation to sentencing. With perspectives from both the legal and psychological fields, this session will unpack the process of preparing and presenting expert evidence, the weight it carries in court and its implications for justice. Ideal for legal professionals, students and those working in the justice sector, this is a unique opportunity to learn from two experts at the top of their fields.
This event will also be live streamed, please register.
About the Presenters
Claire Grant is an experienced criminal law barrister. She was admitted as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court in 2007 and called to the bar in 2011. Since then, Claire has established an impressive criminal law practice at both a trial and appellate level. She is an effective advocate who regularly appears in courts all over Queensland. Claire has appeared as lead counsel in the Court of Appeal and as junior counsel in High Court of Australia. In 2017, Claire and others formed 31 Sturt Chambers. Under Claire’s guidance, 31 Sturt Chambers implemented an employment program for students at James Cook University which takes an active role in mentoring regional law students.
Catherine Stipis is the principal Forensic Psychologist of The Forensic Psychology Studio, a practice that exclusively offers forensic psychological assessments and the preparation of expert reports for criminal matters. She has over 15 years of experience assessing highly complex forensic and clinical patients in inpatient, custodial and community settings. Catherine has extensive experience in conducting specialist forensic risk assessments for physical and sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence. She has held senior clinical and leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, and has served as an expert witness in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
