22-12-2015, 02:00 PM
Certainly "chain of custody" is one of several legal prerequisites to the admissibility of a piece of evidence in a legal proceeding. The initials on the back of the money order are merely that, documenting the chain of custody. They do not (legally) prove up the authenticity of the document.
For instance, a detective processing a crime scene might "tag and bag" dozens or hundreds of items. His initials would have to go on them, along with other persons who handle/transport the items. However, the mere presence of initials doesn't mean the item is authentic (think of a counterfeiting ring bust). Or that the item wasn't planted at the crime scene by the perpetrator. It simply documents the path of the item thru law enforcement once it is seized.
For instance, a detective processing a crime scene might "tag and bag" dozens or hundreds of items. His initials would have to go on them, along with other persons who handle/transport the items. However, the mere presence of initials doesn't mean the item is authentic (think of a counterfeiting ring bust). Or that the item wasn't planted at the crime scene by the perpetrator. It simply documents the path of the item thru law enforcement once it is seized.
"All that is necessary for tyranny to succeed is for good men to do nothing." (unknown)
James Tracy: "There is sometimes an undue amount of paranoia among some conspiracy researchers that can contribute to flawed observations and analysis."
Gary Cornwell (Dept. Chief Counsel HSCA): "A fact merely marks the point at which we have agreed to let investigation cease."
Alan Ford: "Just because you believe it, that doesn't make it so."
James Tracy: "There is sometimes an undue amount of paranoia among some conspiracy researchers that can contribute to flawed observations and analysis."
Gary Cornwell (Dept. Chief Counsel HSCA): "A fact merely marks the point at which we have agreed to let investigation cease."
Alan Ford: "Just because you believe it, that doesn't make it so."