chain of custody
Chain of custody refers to the chronological documentation that tracks the handling of evidence, ensuring its integrity from collection to presentation in court. Each time evidence changes hands—whether it's collected by law enforcement or analyzed in a lab—records are kept to show who handled it, when, and how. This process is crucial in legal proceedings to verify that evidence has not been altered or tampered with, guaranteeing its reliability in supporting a case. Proper chain of custody helps maintain trust in the judicial system and the outcomes of legal investigations.
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Chain of custody refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court. This ensures that the evidence remains intact, unaltered, and credible. Each person who handles the evidence must be recorded, detailing when, where, and how it was collected, stored, or transferred. This meticulous tracking helps prevent tampering or contamination and establishes the evidence's reliability, which is crucial for legal proceedings. A strong chain of custody bolsters the integrity of investigations and supports the justice system.
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Chain of Custody refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence in legal contexts, such as criminal investigations. It ensures that evidence is collected, preserved, and tracked from the moment it is acquired until it is presented in court. This involves recording who collected the evidence, how it was stored, and who accessed it throughout the process. A clear chain of custody helps establish the integrity of the evidence, ensuring it has not been tampered with, and supports its admissibility in legal proceedings.