What does "Chain of Custody" refer to in legal proceedings?

"Chain of Custody" refers specifically to a record that shows the proper maintenance of real evidence throughout the legal process. This concept is crucial in ensuring that the evidence presented in court is credible and has not been tampered with or altered in any way. The chain of custody provides a documented history of who collected, handled, and transferred the evidence from the time it was gathered until it is presented in court. This documentation is critical for establishing the integrity of the evidence, as any break in the chain might lead to questions about its authenticity and reliability.

In the context of legal proceedings, maintaining an unbroken chain of custody reassures the court of the evidence's legitimacy, which can significantly influence the outcome of a case. Thus, the correct answer accurately captures the essence of what "Chain of Custody" means in the legal field.