What is the documentation of sequential possession and location of evidence called?

The documentation of sequential possession and location of evidence is known as the chain of custody. This process is crucial in forensic science and legal contexts as it establishes a continuous and documented history of the evidence from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. The chain of custody ensures that the evidence has not been tampered with or substituted and that its integrity is maintained throughout the investigative process.

Maintaining an accurate chain of custody includes recording who collected the evidence, how and where it was stored, and every person who handled it, along with the date and time of each transfer. This thorough documentation is essential to uphold the evidence's admissibility during legal proceedings, as it provides transparency and accountability regarding the handling of the evidence.

Other terms such as evidence log, trail of possession, or testimony record serve different functions within the context of evidence and investigation. An evidence log typically lists items of evidence but does not provide the same level of detail regarding possession and transfers as the chain of custody. A trail of possession may sound similar but is not the established terminology used in legal documentation. Testimony records pertain to witness accounts and statements rather than the physical transfer and handling of evidence. Thus, chain of custody is the precise term that encompasses the critical aspect of