Which legal term describes the alteration or destruction of evidence?

The legal term that describes the alteration or destruction of evidence is spoliation. Spoliation is a critical concept in legal proceedings, as it involves tampering with evidence that is relevant to ongoing or potential litigation. When spoliation occurs, it can lead to serious consequences, including adverse inferences being drawn against the party responsible for the spoliation, sanctions, or even dismissal of a case. This principle underscores the importance of preserving evidence to ensure the integrity of the judicial process.

Conflict of interest refers to a situation where a person or entity has competing interests that may affect their judgment, which is not directly related to the handling of evidence. Obstruction, while it may involve interfering with the legal process, does not specifically denote the alteration or destruction of evidence; it can include behaviors that hinder the investigation or prosecution in a broader sense. Negligence pertains to a failure to exercise appropriate care, which may result in harm but does not directly align with the alteration or destruction of evidence. Thus, spoliation is the most accurate term to describe the specific act of altering or destroying evidence in a legal context.