Final answer:
A chain of custody is used in the legal field to document and maintain the integrity of evidence or specimens. It ensures that evidence collected at a crime scene or in any legal investigation is handled properly, preventing tampering or contamination, and ensuring that it can be admitted as evidence in court.
Step-by-step explanation:
A chain of custody is used in the legal field to document and maintain the integrity of evidence or specimens. It ensures that evidence collected at a crime scene or in any legal investigation is handled properly, preventing tampering or contamination, and ensuring that it can be admitted as evidence in court.
The chain of custody involves documenting every person who handles the evidence, the time and date of each transfer, and any changes or analysis performed on the evidence. This includes collecting, storing, and transporting the evidence following strict protocols to maintain its integrity.
For example, in criminal investigations, a chain of custody is crucial in establishing the admissibility of DNA samples, blood, fingerprints, or any other evidence. Without a proper chain of custody, the evidence may be challenged in court, casting doubt on its reliability and potentially impacting the outcome of the case.