What is meant by the term "chain of custody"?

The term "chain of custody" refers to the meticulous process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence from the moment it is collected at a crime scene until it is presented in court. This process is crucial because it ensures the integrity, reliability, and authenticity of the evidence.

Each individual who handles the evidence must document their actions, including where the evidence has been, how it was stored, and who had access to it. This documentation serves to track the evidence and verify that it has not been altered or tampered with throughout the legal process. Establishing a clear chain of custody is essential for the admissibility of evidence in court, as it provides a secure foundation that assures the judge and jury of the evidence's validity and origin.

The other concepts mentioned do not encapsulate the critical components of evidence handling and tracking that define the chain of custody.