What is the purpose of Chain of Custody?

The purpose of Chain of Custody is primarily to maintain and document the chronological history of evidence possession. This process is crucial in legal contexts as it establishes a clear trail of who collected, handled, and transferred the evidence from the crime scene to its presentation in court. By meticulously recording each person who handled the evidence, along with the time and date, it ensures that the integrity and authenticity of the evidence are preserved.

If any questions arise about the reliability of the evidence during a trial, the Chain of Custody documentation provides the necessary records to demonstrate that the evidence has not been tampered with or altered. This is essential for upholding the standards of evidence required in court proceedings and ensuring that justice can be accurately served based on the evidence presented.