How should a party approach presenting evidence that requires chain of custody?

To appropriately present evidence that requires a chain of custody, the party must establish a clear chain of custody. This involves documenting the handling of the evidence from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. This documentation must include every individual who has had possession of the evidence and any transfers that occurred along the way. Establishing a clear chain of custody demonstrates the integrity and reliability of the evidence, allowing the court to trust that it has not been altered or tampered with.

A clear chain of custody is vital in cases where the authenticity and integrity of evidence—for example, physical items or electronic data—may be challenged. Courts require this to ensure that the evidence is what it purports to be and has remained unchanged throughout the legal process.

The other options fall short of effectively presenting evidence that relies on chain of custody. Providing only testimonial evidence does not adequately establish the handling and integrity of the evidence. Eliminating all doubt regarding the evidence is an unrealistic standard, as the legal system operates on the preponderance of evidence rather than absolute certainty. Offering expert analysis on the evidence may aid in understanding it but does not address the foundational requirement of establishing a proper chain of custody. Thus, establishing a clear chain of custody is the most essential step in