What does chain of custody document in a legal context?

Chain of custody primarily documents the chronological handling of evidence throughout an investigation. This process ensures that every piece of evidence is accounted for from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. By maintaining detailed records of who collected, handled, or analyzed the evidence, the integrity and authenticity of that evidence can be preserved. This documentation is crucial in legal contexts, as it helps prevent tampering, contamination, or loss, thereby strengthening the case presented to the court.

In contrast, financial records would pertain to monetary aspects of the case rather than the handling of evidence. Personal information of a suspect, while still important, does not relate directly to the evidence itself, and witness statements are separate elements of the investigation that do not implicate the integrity and tracking of physical evidence.