The chain of custody is important because it ensures the integrity, authenticity, and reliability of evidence, whether physical or digital, throughout an investigation and legal process. It documents a continuous chronological record of the collection, handling, storage, transfer, and analysis of evidence, which establishes that the evidence has not been tampered with, altered, or contaminated. Maintaining this chain helps prove that the evidence is the same as that originally collected at the crime scene or relevant location. If there is any break or discrepancy in this chain, the evidence may be deemed inadmissible in court, potentially affecting the outcome of the case. The chain of custody is vital for fairness, accountability, and accuracy in investigations and trials, helping to prevent wrongful convictions and maintain trust in the judicial process.
