What is the first step required for establishing evidence before court presentation?

Establishing evidence before court presentation is fundamentally about demonstrating its reliability and the integrity of the collection process. The first step involves detailing how the evidence was collected. This process is crucial because it establishes the chain of custody, illustrating that the evidence has been handled appropriately from the moment it was obtained.

The method of collection can also impact the admissibility of the evidence in court, as improper collection techniques may lead to questions about the evidence's authenticity and reliability. For instance, if evidence is collected in a manner not compliant with legal standards, it may be deemed inadmissible.

Detailing the collection process provides the foundation for other related elements, such as the location of collection, who has custody, and when changes of custody occurred, but none can be established without first confirming how the evidence was gathered initially. This step is essential to ensure that the evidence can withstand legal scrutiny throughout the judicial process.