What is the aim of showing that the evidence has not been altered since collection?

The aim of demonstrating that the evidence has not been altered since its collection is fundamental to maintaining a chain of custody. The chain of custody refers to the proper handling and documentation of evidence from the moment it is collected until it is presented in court. It ensures that the evidence presented is exactly as it was found, without any alterations, tampering, or contamination that could compromise its integrity.

Maintaining a chain of custody is crucial for the admissibility of evidence in legal proceedings. It builds trust in the judicial system, as both the prosecution and defense can be assured that the evidence has not been corrupted and accurately reflects the original situation. This meticulous tracking of evidence helps establish its reliability and authenticity, which is vital for the court's analysis and verdict.

While simplifying the presentation of evidence and reducing the number of witnesses might seem beneficial, they do not directly address the integrity and reliability of the evidence itself. Likewise, making the analysis process quicker is advantageous, but it is secondary to ensuring that the evidence is unaltered and thus valid for legal scrutiny. Maintaining the chain of custody is therefore the primary aim in validating the evidence's integrity.