What does 'chain of custody' help to preserve?

The concept of 'chain of custody' is vital in the criminal justice system as it pertains to the handling and preservation of evidence. It refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence throughout its collection, storage, and eventual presentation in court. This process ensures that evidence is accounted for at all times and that its integrity remains intact, which is essential for it to be considered admissible in court.

When evidence is collected at a crime scene, it often undergoes multiple transfers between various law enforcement members, evidence technicians, and possibly forensic laboratories. Each person who handles the evidence must be documented, and the conditions under which it was stored must be maintained to avoid contamination or tampering. This meticulous documentation and handling help to establish that the evidence presented during trial is authentic and has not been altered in any way.

By preserving the integrity of collected evidence through a secure chain of custody, it enhances the reliability of the evidence and supports the criminal prosecution's case or the defense's position, depending on the context. If evidence is compromised, it could lead to wrongful convictions or the acquittal of guilty parties, making the chain of custody a cornerstone in the pursuit of justice.