Abstract
Although many people think that forgetting is a problemin life, and it often is, they would do well to appreciate thebenefits of forgetting. Fawcett and Hulbert (2020) have mar-shaled a powerful argument for the adaptive value of forgetting,highlighting the many ways that forgetting is both a commonand essential feature of cognition. Their arguments have impli-cations for memory as it plays out in real life, but here wefocus on implications in the legal realm. We make two majorpoints. First, within the legal system, forgetting on the partof criminal defendants can transcend mere embarrassment orinconvenience, and can actually implicate defendants in crimi-nal acts. Second, forgetting in relation to trauma and victimhoodcan be complicated and controversial, with some victims pre-ferring to retain their painful memories, even at a personalcost.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
