In a lineup, how are eyewitnesses presented?

In a lineup, eyewitnesses are typically presented simultaneously with several individuals, allowing them to compare all options at once. This method enables witnesses to evaluate multiple faces or individuals together, which can help them make a quicker identification based on recognition rather than memory recall of an individual seen at a prior event.

Simultaneous presentations can sometimes lead to relative judgments, where a witness compares the lineup members to each other rather than to the memory of the suspect. However, this method is a common practice in law enforcement for helping witnesses recall and identify potential suspects, making it a pivotal aspect of eyewitness testimony in criminal investigations.

Sequential presentation, facial recognition software, and using only photographs represent alternative methods that can influence the accuracy and reliability of eyewitness identification, but they are not the primary approach. Sequential lineups present individuals one at a time, which reduces the chance of comparison between the individuals rather than focusing on the memory of the suspect.