Crime and the Courtroom

In this special episode of Critical Victories, John Morrey Collins shares his keynote address delivered at the 2026 Annual Educational Conference of the International Association for Identification in St. Louis. Drawing from the principles explored in his book Valid Comparisons, Collins examines the growing controversy surrounding forensic pattern evidence, the meaning of scientific validity, and the consequences of labeling long-established forensic disciplines as "junk science." More importantly, he challenges forensic professionals to understand the scientific foundations of their work, acknowledge the genuine possibility of error without surrendering confidence in sound methods, and accept their responsibility to speak with clarity, courage, humility, and integrity when they carry science into the courtroom. YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach who specializes in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring from his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins examines what he believes is a growing threat to forensic science and the integrity of the criminal justice system: strategic litigation. John explains why he recently sent a formal memorandum to the boards of 18 forensic science organizations, warning that some post-conviction litigation efforts are increasingly focused on attacking particular forms of forensic evidence—even when there is no strong claim that the convicted defendant is factually innocent. He argues that this represents a significant departure from the traditional innocence movement and could leave forensic disciplines, laboratories, witnesses, and past convictions vulnerable to distortion or abuse. The episode also provides important personal and historical context. John reflects on his earlier work challenging claims that forensic science was a major cause of wrongful convictions, including the publication of The Wrongful Conviction of Forensic Science and the professional risks that came with publicly confronting influential justice-reform advocates. John then reads the central portion of his memorandum into the public record and explains what he hopes to accomplish: not to eliminate post-conviction advocacy, but to encourage forensic science organizations to participate more forcefully in the public debate, defend sound scientific practice, and ensure that factual innocence—not simply the opportunity to attack evidence—remains central to the pursuit of justice. This is a candid, deeply personal episode about professional responsibility, institutional courage, and the obligation to speak when silence may put both science and justice at risk. YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel REFERENCE LINKS The Memo The Innocence Project's 200 Exonerated Report (2007) The Wrongful Conviction of Forensic Science Contextual Contamination of Forensic Evidence by Post-Conviction Litigators ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach who specializes in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring from his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins is joined by Julie Sikorsky and Dr. Pamela Marshall for an in-depth discussion on one of the most influential—and often least understood—positions in the forensic laboratory: the Technical Leader. Together, they explore how the role has evolved, why it has become essential to maintaining scientific excellence, and the unique challenges technical leaders face as they balance technical oversight, quality assurance, courtroom responsibilities, and the development of future forensic scientists. The conversation also examines the transition from bench scientist to leadership, the importance of mentorship, internships, and expert witness training, and how organizations can better prepare the next generation of technical leaders. The discussion also highlights exciting developments within the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), including plans for a new Technical Leader Academy designed to strengthen leadership competencies across the forensic science community. Throughout the episode, Collins, Sikorsky, and Marshall share practical insights drawn from decades of experience in forensic laboratories, higher education, and organizational leadership. Whether you are an aspiring technical leader, an experienced laboratory manager, or simply interested in the future of forensic science, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building technically strong, collaborative, and resilient forensic organizations. YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel REFERENCE LINKS None ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

This special edition of Crime and the Courtroom commemorates the upcoming 30th anniversary of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic bombing and the series of attacks that followed. Drawing on his personal experience as a young forensic scientist with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and later the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), John Collins reflects on his role in one of the most significant domestic terrorism investigations in American history. He pays tribute to the victims and their families, whose lives were forever changed by these tragic events, while remembering the dedication of the investigators, first responders, and forensic professionals who worked tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice. Beyond recounting the investigation, Collins explores some lasting lessons that emerged from the case—particularly the importance of professional integrity, ethical scientific practice, and clear communication in high-profile criminal investigations. He discusses how the forensic examination of bomb components ultimately helped connect the attacks to Eric Rudolph, while emphasizing the responsibility of forensic experts to remain objective, humble, and focused on the pursuit of truth. This reflective episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on a landmark investigation and the enduring principles that continue to guide forensic science and criminal justice today. YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel REFERENCE LINKS None ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.

In this episode of Crime and the Courtroom, John Collins is joined by David Epstein and retired Dallas Assistant Chief of Police Reuben Ramirez, both with VersaTerm, for an important conversation about mental wellness in forensic science and other high-responsibility public safety professions. Together, they examine the cumulative emotional toll of careers that routinely involve trauma, tragedy, and the constant pressure to perform at the highest level. The discussion explores why traditional approaches to employee wellness often fall short and why organizational cultures must evolve from reactive, blame-oriented environments to ones built on trust, support, and early intervention. David and Reuben also introduce MindBase, an innovative wellness platform designed to help organizations identify when personnel may be experiencing the cumulative effects of traumatic exposure and to encourage proactive, supportive check-ins before problems escalate. Drawing on Reuben's pioneering work with the Dallas Police Department, the conversation highlights practical strategies that laboratory administrators, law enforcement leaders, and other public safety executives can use to better support their teams while strengthening organizational effectiveness. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone committed to improving leadership, resilience, and the long-term well-being of those who serve in the criminal justice system. Season: 6 Episode: 114 Duration: 54 Minutes YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel REFERENCED RESOURCES MindBase by VersaTerm - Learn More ABOUT YOUR HOST John Morrey Collins is a leadership and expertise coach specializing in working with clients in authoritative, high-stakes occupations, but with a primary emphasis on serving leaders, professionals, and organizations that support our complicated systems of criminal and civil justice. John started his private practice, Critical Victories, in 2013 after retiring his award-winning, 20-year career as a forensic laboratory scientist and executive administrator, having served as the Director of Forensic Science for the State of Michigan. His forensic technical expertise was in the examination and testing of firearms and firearm-related evidence, having provided expert courtroom testimony in approximately 130 criminal trials, including death penalty cases and Daubert hearings. John is also the author of three books on forensic science and criminal justice reform. In 2022, he released his fourth book, "The New Superior – A Better Way to Be the One in Charge," which is available in print and audio. John's many career highlights include his part in the forensic investigation of the Atlanta serial bombings, which included the bombing of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, as well as his 2013 participation in a historic meeting with the US Attorney General and other firearm experts to discuss the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. John has a master's degree in organizational management and is formally certified as a Senior HR Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In 2012, John was trained as a professional coach by the College of Executive Coaching, and he became certified as a Gallup Strengths Coach in 2022. He lives and works near Detroit, Michigan. For more books and other information, please visit www.criticalvictories.com.