Chain of custody
A documented, continuous history of handling the material: who received it, when and under what circumstances, who transferred it and who stored it - without gaps or unaccounted copies.
Practical significance
A break in the chain of custody devalues even material that is flawless in substance: the opposing party will point to the possibility of substitution or alteration. For this reason, the handling procedure is fixed from the very start of the work, not once the matter reaches court.
Where it is used
- litigation and arbitration disputes
- internal investigations
- work with digital materials
- transfer of materials to the legal team
What the term does not mean
Does not guarantee that the material will be accepted by the court: it is a condition for preserving its value, not a decision on admissibility.
How it differs from «Preservation of evidence»
Preservation fixes the material at the moment it is obtained. Chain of custody accompanies it throughout its subsequent path. More about this term
Illustrative example
A log is kept for each item of material: date received, source, method of recording, who had access and to whom the material was transferred.
Related terms, services and guides
Definition verified 3 August 2026
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