France Lags Behind in the Application of Memory Science in the Courtroom

France has a strong psychoanalytical tradition in the application of psychology, and the legal field is no exception. In this article, we discuss the consequences of the limited use in court of knowledge about memory from cognitive sciences. As illustrations, we present published data showing the limited knowledge of French expert witnesses on memory, and a brief overview of two reports highlighting the failure of expert witnesses to mobilize reliable scientific knowledge in their reports and in the courtroom. Finally, we propose recommendations for improving practices.