Prior to being presented in court, a foundation must be established showing how evidence was collected, who collected the evidence, where it was collected, who has had custody of the evidence, how the evidence has been processed, and when changes of custody have occurred.

If the procedures outlined in this practice are followed, the chain of custody with respect to the evidence while it is in the custody of the forensic laboratory will be protected.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice describes procedures and techniques for protecting and documenting the integrity of physical evidence with respect to suitability for scientific testing, and admissibility as evidence in criminal or civil litigation.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E860 Practice for Examining And Preparing Items That Are Or May Become Involved In Criminal or Civil Litigation

E1188 Practice for Collection and Preservation of Information and Physical Items by a Technical Investigator

E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation

Keywords

change of custody; evidence documentation; evidence labeling;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 01.140.30 (Documents in administration, commerce and industry)

Citing ASTM Standards

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