What does the "Chain of Custody" refer to in the context of evidence handling?

The "Chain of Custody" refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence throughout its lifecycle, from the moment it is collected to its presentation in court. This process is crucial because it ensures that the evidence is preserved in its original state and that its integrity is maintained. Each individual who handles the evidence must be documented, along with the times and locations of handling. This meticulous record-keeping is essential for establishing that the evidence has not been altered, tampered with, or contaminated, thereby ensuring its reliability and admissibility in a legal setting. Proper chain of custody is fundamental to the credibility of the evidence when it is used in investigations and prosecutions.