Lineup versus show-up: which statement is accurate?

• A. A lineup involves presenting multiple individuals for identification, while a show-up involves a single suspect presented for quick identification.
• B. A lineup is used only in court proceedings.
• C. A show-up is always more reliable than a lineup.
• D. A lineup involves asserting the suspect's guilt during the process.

Answer: (A)

Lineup and show-up differ in how they present potential suspects, and that difference is what makes the statement accurate. In a lineup, a group of individuals is shown to the witness, including the suspect and several fillers, so the witness can compare a range of people and identify who matches their memory. This setup aims to reduce misidentification by avoiding a single, highly suggestive option. A show-up, on the other hand, presents only one person for quick identification, often at the scene, which is faster but more suggestive because the witness is nudged toward that specific person. Because of this, show-ups can bias identifications, whereas lineups provide a more controlled comparison. The other choices don’t fit: lineups aren’t limited to court proceedings, a show-up isn’t inherently more reliable than a lineup, and a lineup is not about asserting guilt but about identifying a person.