**Links to available scripts and materials** - [Prospective registration][1] - [Supplemental material][2] - [Analytic code][3] - [Survey (Word)][4] - [Survey (Qualtrics)][5] **Abstract** An extensive body of psychological research establishes that practices commonly used to prepare witnesses in civil proceedings to give evidence are prone to corrupt witness memory. To grasp the scope of this problem in Australia and assist in informing a way forward, we conducted a survey of trial judges in superior courts in four Australian jurisdictions (N = 73 , response rate = 51%). We also interviewed 26 of these judges. We asked about judges’ experiences with the reliability of witness statements and canvassed their views on a range of witness preparation practices, potential reforms, and aspects of the psychology of witness memory. We found a disturbing reported level of serious flaws in witness statements and affidavits, which judges attributed to endemic deficiencies in the witness preparation process, and a strong consensus in favour of more guidance and education for the profession to try and address this problem. [1]: https://osf.io/kdcft/registrations [2]: https://osf.io/cpxh5 [3]: https://osf.io/f9zp6 [4]: https://osf.io/xs8uc [5]: https://osf.io/asrt9