What is the meaning of chain of custody?

Definition(s):

A process that tracks the movement of evidence through its collection, safeguarding, and analysis lifecycle by documenting each person who handled the evidence, the date/time it was collected or transferred, and the purpose for the transfer.

What is the chain of custody and why is it important?

The chain of custody is the most critical process of evidence documentation. It is a must to assure the court of law that the evidence is authentic, i.e., it is the same evidence seized at the crime scene. It was, at all times, in the custody of a person designated to handle it and for which it was never unaccounted.

What is a chain of custody example?

An example of chain of custody would be the recovery of a bloody knife at a murder scene: Officer Andrew collects the knife and places it into a container, then gives it to forensics technician Bill. Forensics technician Bill takes the knife to the lab and collects fingerprints and other evidence from the knife.

What 4 things does a chain of custody establish?

The chain of custody is a tracking record beginning with detailed scene notes that describe where the evidence was received or collected. Collection techniques, preservation, packaging, transportation, storage and creation of the inventory list are all part of the process used in establishing the chain of custody.

How do you prove chain of custody?

To prove chain of custody, prosecutors must present documentary and testimonial evidence to establish that the item presented at trial is the same item that was in the possession or taken from the defendant.

What is the principle of chain of custody of evidence?

As a method of authenticating evidence, the chain of custody rule requires that the admission of an exhibit be preceded by evidence sufficient to support a finding that the matter in question is what the proponent claims it to be.

What is the chain of custody and why is it important quizlet?

The chain of custody is used to track the people who came in contact with evidence. The chain of custody starts at the moment evidence is discovered. It lists the identity of the person who discovered, logged, gathered, protected, transported, stored, and presented the evidence.

Why is a chain of custody important in a cyber crime case?

Explanation: Evidence must be authenticated before it can be admitted in court. A chain of custody helps to authenticate the evidence by preventing tampering.

What is the chain of custody quizlet?

chain of custody (COC) A legal term that refers to the ability to guarantee the identity and integrity of the sample of data from collection through reporting of the test results.

What happens when chain of custody is broken?

If the chain of custody is broken, evidence may be suppressed or deemed inadmissible.

What are the three sources of digital evidence?

There are many sources of digital evidence, but for the purposes of this publication, the topic is divided into three major forensic categories of devices where evidence can be found: Internet-based, stand-alone computers or devices, and mobile devices.

What are the 4 steps to collecting cyber evidence?

There are four phases involved in the initial handling of digital evidence: identification, collection, acquisition, and preservation ( ISO/IEC 27037 ; see Cybercrime Module 4 on Introduction to Digital Forensics).

What could cause evidence to be inadmissible in court?

The general rule is that any statement, other than one made by a witness while giving evidence in the proceedings, is inadmissible as evidence of the facts stated. However, this rule only applies if the statement is given as evidence of the truth of its contents. The rule applies to both oral and written statements.

What evidence can be used in court?

There are different types of evidence: Oral testimony: the oral statement of a witness made on oath in open court and put forward as evidence of its truth. Witness statements and expert reports: written statements made by witnesses including expert reports, which are produced in the proceedings as evidence.

Why is the chain of custody important for physical evidence?

Where there has been a loss of continuity — or break in the chain of custody — a court may develop concerns about the reliability of the evidence. If the break in the chain of custody is significant, a court may place little or no weight on the evidence.

What kind of evidence Cannot be used in court?

The general rule is that all relevant evidence is admissible and irrelevant evidence is inadmissible. So, to be admissible, every item of evidence must tend to prove or disprove a fact at issue in the case. If the evidence is not related to a fact at issue in a case, it is irrelevant and is, therefore, inadmissible.

Can screenshots of text messages be used in court?

(§ 901(b)(11) ). You can authenticate text messages by presenting: a “copy,” a screenshot, photo, or print-out of the message that includes identifying information that links the message to the texter, and. testimony or affidavit that the copy is a true and accurate representation of the text messages.

What documents are not admissible as evidence?

It held that the secondary data found in CD’s, DVD’s, and Pendrive are not admissible in the Court proceedings without a proper authentic certificate according to Section 65B(4) of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.