May 1, 2026 Observations In The Land of Experts " It is impossible for a person to begin to learn what he thinks he already knows" -Epictetus Being dubbed an “expert” is a double-edged sword.   It can, and often does, indicate a higher degree of knowledge about a particular topic or practice.   The formal designation of “expert” also frequently means you can demand a higher price for your expertise.   It can also lead to an inflated sense of self-importance, as I’ve observed repeatedly over the years.   I was only ever adjudicated an “expert” once in my time in law enforcement.   The irony was, for all of the trials and testimony I had in my home jurisdiction, it was a case outside of that jurisdiction for which I was put forth as and deemed an “expert” by the Court.   For my time both in and outside of law enforcement, I’ve observed this as a common practice by prosecutors – that is, to NOT have their law enforcement witnesses who may have expertis...