Impact of Chain of Custody on the Reliability of Forensic Evidence: An Analytical Study of Evidence Integrity, Traceability, and Judicial Admissibility

The chain of custody is essential in forensic science, ensuring evidence integrity from collection to judicial presentation. Evidentiary reliability depends equally on precise analytical methods and unbroken continuity of possession. Deficiencies in custody procedures jeopardize item identity, authenticity, and legal admissibility across biological, physical, and digital evidence. This study proposes an integrated evidence-management framework evaluating documentation, packaging, transfer, storage, and digital traceability. Emphasizing that documentation and physical preservation are complementary requirements, the research underscores the necessity of standardized procedures, personnel training, and tamper-evident controls. Ultimately, a transparent, auditable chain of custody is vital for supporting legal confidence in forensic findings.