What does chain of custody refer to?

Chain of custody refers specifically to the documentation that tracks the handling and movement of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court. This process is crucial in ensuring that the evidence remains intact and has not been tampered with or altered in any way. Proper chain of custody records provide a clear timeline and accountability for who has handled the evidence at each stage, thereby maintaining its integrity for judicial proceedings.

The use of chain of custody is essential in legal contexts, as it helps to establish the credibility of the evidence and supports the principle that the evidence is trustworthy. Without proper documentation, there could be doubts about the authenticity of the evidence, which can undermine a case in court.

In this context, while other options may seem relevant, they do not encompass the full scope of what chain of custody means, focusing instead on broader or unrelated aspects of the criminal justice process.