Why is it crucial to preserve evidence according to the CCP?

Preserving evidence is essential to ensure fairness in prosecution and defense, which is a fundamental principle of the criminal justice system. The Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP) emphasizes that both the prosecution and the defense must have access to all relevant evidence to present their cases effectively. If evidence is lost, tampered with, or improperly handled, it can severely undermine the integrity of the trial and lead to wrongful convictions or unjust acquittals. Therefore, safeguarding evidence serves to uphold the legal rights of the accused and ensure a balanced judicial process, where both sides can argue their case based on complete and accurate information.

While maintaining public confidence in law enforcement, expediting court proceedings, and protecting the rights of victims are also important aspects of the justice system, the preservation of evidence plays a more direct role in the fairness of the legal process. Without fair procedures underpinned by reliable evidence, the ultimate pursuit of justice can be compromised, leading to erosion in public trust and systemic inefficiencies.