What must be done before evidence can be admitted to court after being collected?

For evidence to be admitted in court, it is essential that it is identified and authenticated. This process involves proving that the evidence is what it claims to be and that it has been collected and handled properly. Identification may entail demonstrating the evidence's relevance to the case, while authentication can involve establishing a chain of custody—showing that the evidence has remained intact and unaltered since it was collected.

This step is critical because courts adhere to strict rules regarding the admissibility of evidence; without proper identification and authentication, evidence may be deemed unreliable or irrelevant. Ensuring that the court can trust the origin and integrity of the evidence is a foundational aspect of legal proceedings, influencing the overall credibility of the case presented.

While preserving the evidence is also very important, it is primarily a part of maintaining evidence integrity post-collection rather than a prerequisite for admission into court. Summarizing evidence in a report and cross-examining evidence are steps that may come later in the legal process but do not directly impact the initial stage of evidence admissibility. Thus, identification and authentication are the key requirements before evidence can be officially presented in court.