In crime scene investigations, what does "chain of custody" refer to?

"Chain of custody" is a crucial concept in crime scene investigations that refers specifically to the documentation of evidence handling. This process ensures that an item of evidence is tracked and accounted for from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. Maintaining a clear and chronological record of who handled the evidence, when it was collected, and where it was stored is essential to uphold its integrity and authenticity.

The importance of this documentation cannot be overstated, as it helps to prevent any question regarding the evidence's origin or handling procedures, which could undermine its validity in a legal context. A well-maintained chain of custody allows law enforcement, forensic analysts, and the court to trust that the evidence has not been tampered with or altered in any way, thereby supporting prosecution or defense arguments based on that evidence.