Chain Of Custody
The Chain of Custody refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence in legal cases. It ensures that the evidence collected, such as fingerprints or digital data, remains intact and unaltered from the moment it is gathered until it is presented in court. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the evidence and ensuring its admissibility in legal proceedings.
Each person who handles the evidence must be documented, creating a clear record of who accessed it and when. This includes law enforcement officers, forensic analysts, and legal representatives. Properly maintaining the Chain of Custody helps prevent tampering or contamination, which is vital for upholding justice in cases involving criminal activities.