What term describes the movement and location of evidence and its custodians from the time it was obtained until presented in court?

The term that describes the movement and location of evidence and its custodians from the time it was obtained until it is presented in court is "Chain of custody." This concept is crucial in legal contexts as it ensures the integrity and reliability of evidence by documenting its handling over time. The chain of custody provides a detailed log that tracks who collected the evidence, how it was stored, and each individual who handled it along the way, which prevents tampering or contamination.

Establishing a clear chain of custody is vital for maintaining the evidence's admissibility in court. If the chain is broken or not properly documented, the evidence can be challenged and potentially deemed inadmissible. This reinforces the idea of accountability and objectivity in the investigation process, ensuring that the evidence can be trusted by both the prosecution and defense.

In contrast, terms like "manifest log," "preservation of evidence," and "exhibit books" refer to different aspects or documentation related to evidence, but they do not encapsulate the comprehensive tracking of evidence movement and custody that is specifically covered by the chain of custody concept.