
‘It’s a theatre and we’re pawns’: taking the stand as an expert witness
Dame Sue Black, one of the world's leading forensic anthropologists, has described testifying in court as one of the most terrifying parts of her career.
As one of the world's leading forensic anthropologists, Dame Sue Black has acted as an expert witness in numerous high-profile criminal cases. Her work has taken her from laboratories to active war zones and disaster sites to identify victims' remains.
In a recent interview with Ian Sample, the professor explained that standing up in front of a judge and jury has been one of the more terrifying experiences of her professional life.
It's a theatre and we're pawns
Courtroom risks
Black also highlighted the significant reputational risks associated with presenting evidence in court, while offering her perspective on the future direction of forensic science.