What does 'chain of custody' ensure in a forensic context?

'Chain of custody' refers to the process of maintaining and documenting the handling of evidence throughout the entire investigative process. This concept is crucial in forensic investigations as it ensures that every individual who has had contact with the evidence is accounted for, detailing who collected, transferred, analyzed, or stored the material.

By recording all individuals who have handled the evidence, the integrity of the evidence is preserved, which helps establish its authenticity and reliability in legal proceedings. This documentation is vital because it prevents tampering or contamination of the evidence, ensuring that it can be trusted during investigations and in court.

The other options, while they touch on important aspects of evidence handling, do not capture the essence of what 'chain of custody' fundamentally signifies. Proper storage, accuracy of analysis, and court visibility are important considerations but do not specifically address the comprehensive record-keeping that is central to the concept of 'chain of custody.'