What is a significant disadvantage of not following the Chain of Custody?

Not following the Chain of Custody can lead to evidence being deemed inadmissible in court, which is a critical aspect of legal proceedings. The Chain of Custody refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence, from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. This is vital because courts require proof that the evidence presented has not been altered, tampered with, or contaminated in any way.

When the Chain of Custody is broken or inadequately documented, it raises questions about the integrity of the evidence. The court must be able to trust that the evidence presented is reliable and authentic, which is why a strict protocol must be followed. If proper procedures are not adhered to, a judge may rule the evidence inadmissible, severely impacting the case outcome and potentially preventing a prosecution or defense from adequately presenting their side. Thus, maintaining an intact Chain of Custody is essential in ensuring that evidence remains valid and conducive to achieving justice.