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Crime Lab Report - New Book Calls For Expert Witnesses To Work Directly For Judges

Forensic science does not prove guilt or innocence. It never has and it never will. The next...

The Technical Leader - Unique Challenges For People In A Unique Position

When the FBI first conceived of DNA Technical Leaders as a requirement for CODIS eligibility, it...

The Drug Chemistry White Box Study - An Interview With Jeremy Triplett

A fascinating development has emerged in the forensic testing of controlled substances. A "white...

Drug Threat Is 'Unprecedented' According To Forensic Experts

Today, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors issued a an urgent public alert regarding...

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John M. CollinsRSS Feed of this column.

John M. Collins is an author, executive coach, and leadership consultant specializing in high-stakes, high-impact occupations that are technically, intellectually, and/or ethically demanding. An... Read More »

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Hurricane Harvey And The Risk To Criminal Evidence

Hurricane Harvey And The Risk To Criminal Evidence

Aug 31 2017 | comment(s)

The story that won't be told in the wake of Harvey's wrath is the incredible risk to the thousands upon thousands of items of physical evidence being stored in police departments and crime laboratories throughout Texas - especially in Houston.  Any damage to this evidence may derail the state's pursuit of justice. 
Membership Associations Breed Future Leaders

Membership Associations Breed Future Leaders

Jul 26 2017 | comment(s)

Shrinking travel budgets and the availability of online training have conspired against today's professional associations, the typical first-victims of operational austerity.  Public institutions eager to appease their elected leaders are especially quick to freeze travel during challenging economic times.  This, however, may be a grave mistake.  Why? Because there are hidden, undisclosed benefits to membership associations that are worthy not only of discussion, but of careful consideration by corporate and governmental executives trying to save a buck.  
Journalists Grieve Death Of Forensic Science Commission

Journalists Grieve Death Of Forensic Science Commission

May 09 2017 | comment(s)

The National Commission on Forensic Science was dissolved by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in a decisive action that brought an end to a highly decorated body of professionals, but one that was frequently stymied by legal gamesmanship and discord.  The commission, a precipitant of the Obama administration's criminal justice reform efforts, was curiously loaded with trial attorneys, law professors, and other academicians but relatively few forensic scientists.
The Expression Of Scientific Certainty By Expert Witnesses In American Jurisprudence

The Expression Of Scientific Certainty By Expert Witnesses In American Jurisprudence

Mar 08 2017 | comment(s)

An expert witness is a person authorized by a judge to share professional opinions in a court of law about subjects in which the expert was found to be sufficiently knowledgeable and competent.  

During criminal or civil litigation, the permission granted to expert witnesses to give their opinions about topics of interest (DNA, fingerprints, accounting, ballistics, engineering, toxicology, and so forth) gives them considerable power and influence in the courtroom as compared to other kinds of witnesses.
An American Decision and the Future of Forensic Science

An American Decision and the Future of Forensic Science

Jan 23 2017 | comment(s)

Our nation once again celebrates its unique capacity to transfer leadership with grace and dignity.  The joyousness of the occasion, however, quickly fades into solemnity as citizens and institutions alike assume their vigil, standing guard to keep watchful eyes on those in positions of power. 

Netflix Stumbles in its Dramatization of Steven Avery Conviction

Netflix Stumbles in its Dramatization of Steven Avery Conviction

Feb 15 2016 | comment(s)

Keeping the Gate is a "science and society" blog, which is to mean that it explores the relationship between science and society.  Journalists and producers play critical roles in regulating that relationship.  But the definition of journalism is changing as more and more people with compelling interests gain access to more and more channels through which to spin personal sentiments into the appearance of irrefutable fact.