Chains of custody help to prove what about the evidence?

Chains of custody are crucial in legal contexts as they articulate the chronological documentation of evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court. The primary purpose of a chain of custody is to ensure that the evidence remains authentic and intact throughout the entire legal process. This documentation includes details about who collected the evidence, how it was stored, and who had possession of it at any given time.

By meticulously tracking the handling of the evidence, the chain of custody serves to establish that it has not been altered, tampered with, or compromised. This is essential for maintaining the evidence's credibility in court, as it allows judges and juries to trust in the reliability of the evidence presented. In summary, the chain of custody directly supports the assertion that the evidence is both authentic and maintains its integrity through the various stages of possession and handling.