Show-up identification: which statement is correct?

• A. It is used to identify a suspect quickly on the scene, and must minimize suggestive influence.
• B. It is used to identify a suspect by a lineup conducted later in court.
• C. It requires simultaneous identifications by multiple witnesses.
• D. It is a method to identify a suspect that is illegal in all jurisdictions.

Answer: (A)

Show-up identifications are about quickly presenting a single person to a witness for identification right after a crime, usually near the scene. The key point is that this on-the-spot identification should be done with safeguards to minimize suggestive influence, because showing one person can bias the witness’s memory or lead them to identify someone even if they’re not certain.

This fits best because the procedure is specifically about a rapid, on-the-scene identification and the need to protect accuracy by reducing cues that might steer the witness. The other statements describe lineup procedures or broader legality issues: a show-up is not a later courthouse lineup, and it typically involves one person shown to one witness at a time rather than simultaneous identifications by multiple witnesses. Also, show-ups are not illegal everywhere; they’re allowed in many jurisdictions when conducted carefully with proper safeguards.