chain of custody

**Chain of Custody**

The term “chain of custody” refers to the documented and unbroken transfer of evidence or records, ensuring their integrity and authenticity from the moment they are collected until they are presented in a legal or official context. This concept is crucial in fields such as law enforcement, forensics, and information security, as it guarantees that the evidence has not been tampered with, altered, or replaced. Properly maintaining a chain of custody involves detailed record-keeping of every person who handles the evidence, along with the time, date, and purpose of each transfer. Understanding the chain of custody is essential for upholding the credibility of evidence and supporting the validity of legal proceedings.