Chain of Custody vs Exhibit Index

Chain-of-custody logs document every hand-off of physical evidence. Exhibit indexes catalog the documents you plan to introduce at trial. Using both keeps your proof airtight.

When to use this

• Use ChainOfCustodyPDF whenever an item could be challenged for tampering or mishandling.
• Use an exhibit index when you need a table listing exhibit numbers, titles, and Bates ranges.
• Maintain both logs when preparing for trial or evidentiary hearings.

How to do it (fast)

1. Log each evidence intake and transfer inside ChainOfCustodyPDF to create a chronological custody trail.
2. Prepare exhibit labels with ExhibitStickers so the chain-of-custody item IDs match your courtroom identifiers.
3. Compile a narrative of the facts using StatementOfFacts to tie exhibits back to the story you will tell the judge.
4. Keep the logs updated after every inspection, discovery exchange, or hearing.

Why this helps

• Separate logs show the judge you treat chain of custody and exhibit management as distinct tasks.
• Cross-referencing exhibits and custody entries speeds up witness examinations.
• Maintaining both lists locally protects sensitive investigative notes from leaks.

Related tools

• ChainOfCustodyPDF
• ExhibitStickers
• StatementOfFacts

Not legal advice. Courts set their own rules. Keep your original records.