What does "chain of custody" refer to?

"Chain of custody" refers to the meticulous process of tracking evidence handling from the moment it is collected at a crime scene through to its final disposition, which may include presentation in court. This process is crucial because it establishes the integrity and reliability of the evidence. Each person who handles the evidence must be documented, creating a comprehensive log that details how the evidence was collected, who had access to it, and how it was stored or transported. This documentation is essential to ensure that the evidence has not been tampered with or altered in any way, which is vital for maintaining the credibility of the evidence in legal proceedings. Proper maintenance of the chain of custody helps to prevent any challenges to the admissibility of the evidence during a trial.