Why is it important to maintain chain of custody for evidence?

Maintaining the chain of custody for evidence is fundamental because it directly supports the integrity and reliability of the evidence presented in court. The chain of custody refers to the chronological documentation of all individuals who handled the evidence, from the moment it is collected at the crime scene through to its presentation in legal proceedings. This meticulous record-keeping ensures that the evidence has not been altered, tampered with, or contaminated at any stage.

When evidence is collected and handled correctly, it maintains its authenticity and can be trusted by the court, which is crucial for establishing its validity. If there are gaps in the chain of custody or if the evidence cannot be accounted for at all times, its admissibility in court could be challenged. Therefore, upholding the chain of custody is essential to ensure the evidence's integrity, making it critical for the success of prosecutions and the overall justice process.