What is chain of custody in evidence handling?

What is chain of custody in evidence handling?

Chain of custody refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence. It ensures that the evidence is preserved and its integrity is maintained from the time it is collected until it is presented in court.

Why is chain of custody important?

It's crucial because it helps establish the authenticity and reliability of the evidence. If the chain is broken, the evidence may be deemed inadmissible in court.

Can you give me an example of a chain of custody process?

Sure! For instance, when police collect a piece of evidence, they document who collected it, when, where, and how it was stored. This documentation continues with each person who handles the evidence until it reaches the courtroom.

What happens if the chain of custody is broken?

If the chain of custody is broken, the evidence may be challenged in court, and its credibility can be questioned, potentially leading to it being excluded from the trial.