Forensic Science and the Case of Robert Lee Stinson

What was the key piece of evidence that initially led to the arrest of Robert Lee Stinson?

• Bite mark analysis

• Eyewitness testimony

• Fingerprint analysis

• DNA evidence

What was the major flaw in the bite mark evidence used against Stinson?

• The bite marks were fabricated

• The suspect was missing a different tooth than the one indicated by the bite marks

• The forensic artist made an error in the sketch

• The bite marks matched another suspect

What is one major criticism of forensic science disciplines like bite mark analysis?

• They are too reliant on modern technology

• They are based on outdated science

• They lack foundational research and scientific validation

• They are always accurate

How did the legal system initially respond to challenges against bite mark evidence?

• It was quickly dismissed from courtrooms

• It was replaced by DNA evidence

• It was rigorously tested in scientific studies

• It continued to be used based on past court decisions

What led to the eventual exoneration of Robert Lee Stinson?

• A confession from the real perpetrator

• The retraction of forensic testimony

• New eyewitnesses came forward

• DNA evidence from the crime scene

What does the Daubert ruling emphasize about forensic evidence?

• It should be excluded if it is not 100% accurate

• It should be considered infallible

• It needs to be approved by all parties in a trial

• It must be based on scientifically valid reasoning

What was the outcome when forensic experts re-examined the bite mark evidence in Stinson's case?

• They confirmed the original findings

• They found the evidence was fabricated

• They were inconclusive

• They concluded Stinson could not have made the bite marks

What was a significant event in the timeline of using DNA for forensic purposes?

• It was deemed unreliable in 1985

• It has never been used in court

• It was discovered the same day Stinson was convicted

• It was first introduced in the Stinson case

What does the National Academy of Sciences report suggest about forensic science?

• It should not be used in court

• It is the most reliable form of evidence in court

• It needs more foundational science and research

• It is well-supported by scientific research

What was the impact of the Daubert ruling on the use of expert testimony in court?

• It restricted the use of expert testimony

• It emphasized the need for scientific validity in expert testimony

• It eliminated the need for expert testimony

• It made expert testimony less important