The chain of custody is one of the most fundamental principles in forensic science, as it ensures the integrity and credibility of evidence from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. It refers to the accurate and continuous documentation of every stage the evidence undergoes, including who handled it, where it was transferred, and what procedures were performed.<br /><br />The importance of the chain of custody lies in preventing any claims of tampering or alteration. Each transfer or handling of the evidence is recorded with precise timestamps. If this chain is broken or found to be incomplete, the evidence may be ruled inadmissible in court.<br /><br />In digital crimes, the chain of custody is even more critical due to the ease of manipulating or destroying electronic data. For instance, when collecting a hard drive or a smartphone, it must be sealed and documented in its original state, followed by the creation of forensic images to preserve the original data intact.<br /><br />The chain of custody typically includes:<br /><br />Identification and documentation of evidence (detailed description, serial number, location of collection).<br /><br />Securing and sealing it against tampering.<br /><br />Recording every transfer and analysis with names, signatures, and timestamps.<br /><br />Storing it securely with restricted access.<br /><br />Presenting it in court alongside records proving the integrity of the process.<br /><br />Thus, the chain of custody is not merely an administrative procedure but rather a legal and ethical safeguard that guarantees the reliability of forensic investigations and the admissibility of evidence in judicial proceedings.<br />Al-Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq