Episode #117
#117: "The Warning Memo" on Forensic Science in the Era of Strategic Litigation
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 .
