What does Chain of Evidence refer to?

Chain of Evidence, also known as Chain of Custody, refers specifically to the record of evidence. This documentation is crucial in the legal process, as it tracks the handling and movement of evidence from the moment it is collected at a crime scene until it is presented in court. The primary purpose of maintaining a clear chain of evidence is to ensure the integrity and reliability of the evidence. Each person who handles the evidence must be documented, stating when and how the evidence was transferred or analyzed. This process helps to prevent tampering or contamination, ensuring that the evidence can be trusted in legal proceedings.

While lists of witnesses, histories of convictions, and documentation of court proceedings all play important roles in the criminal justice system, they do not directly pertain to the preservation and tracking of evidence in the same way that a record of evidence does. The chain of evidence is specifically focused on maintaining the accountability and traceability of physical evidence throughout a case.