Question

One must be able to show the whereabouts and custody of the evidence, how it was handled and stored and by whom, from the time the evidence is first seized by a law enforcement officer or civilian investigator until the moment it is shown in court. This is referred to as what?

A
chain of custody
B
demonstrative evidence
C
real evidence
D
consistent scientific manner

Answer 1

The term for tracking the whereabouts and handling of evidence from seizure to court presentation is called the 'chain of custody.'

Step-by-step explanation:

The process by which one must show the whereabouts and custody of evidence, the manner in which it was handled and stored, and by whom, from the moment it is first seized until it is presented in court, is referred to as the chain of custody. This is a fundamental concept in legal proceedings, particularly in criminal trials, to ensure that evidence presented is credible and has been preserved properly without tampering or contamination. Adherence to a strict chain of custody is vital for maintaining the integrity of the evidence, which can be critical in proving guilt or innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.