What does the chain of custody refer to?

The chain of custody refers to a process that tracks the handling of evidence from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. This process is crucial to maintaining the integrity and reliability of the evidence. It ensures that the evidence has not been altered, tampered with, or contaminated during its handling. Each individual who comes into contact with the evidence must be documented, creating a transparent and traceable record that supports the evidence's authenticity.

This thorough documentation helps establish the reliability of the evidence, which is vital during legal proceedings. If the chain of custody is broken or not properly maintained, the admissibility of the evidence in court may be challenged, potentially weakening the prosecution's or defense's case. Therefore, the chain of custody is foundational in the field of forensics and legal evidence management, ensuring that justice is served based on trustworthy and verifiable information.