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Chain of Custody and the Handling of Real Evidence

NCJ Number
90038
Journal
American Criminal Law Review Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: (Spring 1983) Pages: 527-568
Author(s)
P C Giannelli
Date Published
1983
Length
42 pages
Annotation
Although establishing a chain of custody is one of the most reliable ways to show the authenticity of real evidence, courts, and commentators have not fully defined the scope of these chains or the procedures for their proof.
Abstract
This Article describes the type of evidence which requires a chain of custody showing, the length and makeup of the chain itself, and the standards and methods for proving the authenticity of evidence. Professor Giannelli concludes that where evidence is not readily identifiable, a chain of custody should be established at least through the testimony of major 'links' in the chain. (Publisher abstract)

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