{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"#104: What is \u201cJunk Science\u201d and do Bite Marks Fit the Label?","description":"In this solo episode of Crime and the Courtroom, host John Collins kicks off the podcast\u2019s sixth season with personal updates, professional milestones, and critical reflections on the state of forensic science in the justice system. Collins shares the remarkable success of his recent cochlear implant surgery, which restored significant hearing from deafness caused by a decades-old firearm accident. The procedure has enhanced his ability to engage with clients and audiences, just in time for a busy season of national speaking engagements\u2014including the ASCLD Symposium in Grand Rapids and a keynote address at the 2026 Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) conference in Baltimore. Collins also introduces his forthcoming book, Valid Comparisons, which provides a scientific and legal defense of forensic pattern disciplines such as firearm identification, handwriting, footwear, and more. He challenges the misuse of the term \u201cjunk science,\u201d especially in light of ongoing critiques from the innocence movement and the 2009 National Academy of Sciences report. Using high-profile cases such as Ray Krone\u2019s wrongful conviction and Ted Bundy\u2019s bite mark identification, Collins explores the role of expert testimony, the evolution of forensic odontology, and the need for professional self-reflection within the forensic sciences. Throughout the episode, Collins argues for a nuanced understanding of scientific credibility in the courtroom and urges caution in how forensic evidence is judged by reform advocates and legal professionals. He calls for higher standards of integrity in both forensic practice and innocence advocacy, while affirming the essential role of forensic experts in safeguarding truth and fairness in the justice system. With new books, workshops, and public engagements on the horizon, Collins sets the stage for a powerful new season that promises to tackle the most pressing issues facing criminal justice professionals today. Season:  6 Episode:  104 Duration:  1:12 YOUTUBE CHANNELS Main Podcast Channel Highlights Channel FROM OUR SPONSOR Learn About the Innovators at Promega International Symposium on Human Identification REFERENCED RESOURCES 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, \u201cThe New Superior \u2013 A Better Way to Be the One in Charge,\u201d which is available in print and audio. John\u2019s 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\u2019s 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. ","author_name":"Crime and the Courtroom","author_url":"http:\/\/criticalvictories.com\/podcast","html":"