What does 'chain of custody' refer to?

'Chain of custody' refers to the sequence of custody of evidence from its seizure to its presentation in court. This concept is crucial in legal contexts, especially in criminal investigations, as it ensures that the evidence is preserved in its original state and that it has been handled appropriately throughout the investigation process. Maintaining a clear and documented chain of custody helps to establish the integrity and reliability of the evidence, making it admissible in court. Each person who handles the evidence must document their interaction with it, including taking and storing it, to ensure accountability and traceability. In summary, the chain of custody safeguards the evidence against tampering and establishes a credible path of accountability from the moment it's collected until it is presented as part of legal proceedings.