It has now been five years since the publication of Apologies in the Legal Arena: A Comparative Perspective (eds. Nicola Brutti, Robyn Carroll, and Prue Vines), a volume that marked a significant step forward in comparative research on apologies within legal contexts. Since then, the legal and societal relevance of apologies has only grown—both in institutional recognition and in public consciousness.

Recent evolutions include, among others:

• Rulings by supreme and supranational courts recognising apologies as a remedy for non-pecuniary harm;
• The increasing polarisation of public discourse, amplified by the pervasive influence of social media;
• Renewed legal and political attention to apologies for historical injustices and systemic wrongs.

In light of these developments, we are pleased to announce a one-day international symposium that will take place in Ghent (Belgium) in the spring of 2026 (exact date to be confirmed). The event seeks to bring together doctoral researchers, senior academics, legal practitioners, and policymakers working at the intersection of law and apology.

We welcome contributions that engage with legal, socio-legal, theoretical, or empirical questions related to apology in law, including—but not limited to—the following themes:

• The normative foundations and legal functions of apology;
• Apologies as judicial or extra-judicial remedies in private and public law;
• The role of apologies in transitional justice, historical reckoning, and post-conflict processes;
• The regulation and reception of public apologies by political or corporate actors;
• Comparative approaches to apology law and policy across legal systems.

Submission Guidelines

We invite submissions of extended abstracts (max. 1,000 words), in English, clearly outlining the research question(s), methodology, and expected contribution. Please include a short biographical note (max. 150 words) in your submission. Submissions should be sent to s.e.derey@uva.nl and wannes.vandenbussche@ugent.be before 15 September 2025.

The symposium is conceived as a platform to present and discuss work in progress in a constructive and collegial environment. Selected authors will be notified shortly after the deadline. The date of the symposium will be set in consultation with the selected speakers. All presentations will be in English.

Practicalities

• Participation in the symposium is free of charge.
• All speakers will be invited to a conference dinner.
• All speakers will be offered up to two nights of accommodation, provided by the organisation.
• Please note that travel costs cannot be reimbursed.

Organisation by INLAR co-chairs  

• Sébastien De Rey, University of Amsterdam (s.e.derey@uva.nl)
• Wannes Vandenbussche, Ghent University (wannes.vandenbussche@ugent.be)