EXPERT WITNESS The Weight of Our Testimony When Justice Hangs in the Balance

Researcher and psychiatric clinical nurse Ann Wolbert Burgess has written a fascinating overview of her work as an expert witness. Gabra Zackman's narration is instructive, professional, and easy to follow. She adds no flourishes as Dr. Burgess describes working with victims, perpetrators, and law enforcement. Her writing is straightforward and interesting for a layperson. Specific cases are presented, notably the victims and perpetrators in the cases of the Menendez brothers, Larry Nassar, and Bill Cosby. Burgess also discusses the potential uses of artificial intelligence in profiling criminals, analyzing cases, and drafting documents in the legal system, as well as predicting the impact of trauma on a victim. Commentary on determining a perpetrator's likelihood of reoffending is of particular interest. S.E.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]