What is a key characteristic that a lineup must avoid to ensure fairness?

A key characteristic that a lineup must avoid to ensure fairness is being unfairly suggestive. This means that the lineup should not lead or influence the witness or victim in a manner that could sway their identification of a suspect. If a lineup is suggestive, it might include a suspect who stands out in a way that could make them more recognizable than others, potentially resulting in wrongful identification.

For a lineup to maintain its integrity, all individuals presented should match the general descriptions provided by the witness and should not include variations that might draw undue attention or imply that one individual is the perpetrator. This helps to preserve the accuracy of witness identifications and upholds the principles of justice by preventing bias in the decision-making process. Fairness is essential in legal procedures, especially to protect the rights of suspects and ensure accurate outcomes in investigations.