Evidence Handling, Chain of Custody, and Courtroom Testimony
What the exam tests
This domain tests whether you can preserve proof from scene to courtroom. Kentucky evidence rules require authentication, reliable chain of custody, and proper treatment of originals and hearsay. The exam focuses on foundation and documentation, not dramatic courtroom performance.
Core rules
- Record who collected, when, where, and how; use unique identifiers, seals, and a transfer log.
- Maintain continuity: every transfer, opening, and analysis must be documented.
- Authenticate items with testimony that the item is what it purports to be; photographs need photographer, date, and accuracy foundation.
- Preserve digital evidence with hashes, metadata, and write-once copies; do not work from the only original.
- Distinguish observation from hearsay; a report can record a witness’s statement, but the statement may still be inadmissible unless an exception applies.
Worked example
A private investigator finds a threatening note. The investigator photographs it in place, gloves it, places it in a sealed envelope, logs the seal number, and transfers it to counsel with a signed receipt. At trial, the investigator can testify to finding the note and the seal’s continuity. If the envelope was left open on a desk for a week, the chain has a gap and the opponent can argue tampering.
Traps
Commingling items; writing on original evidence; destroying rough notes after typing a report; and testifying to conclusions such as “the note proves he intended to threaten” instead of describing observations.