What is the term used to describe the altering or destroying of evidence?

• A. Tampering
• B. Obstruction
• C. Destruction
• D. Spoliation

Answer: (D)

Spoliation is the legal term for destroying, altering, or concealing evidence that is relevant to a legal proceeding or investigation. It covers both changing the evidence and getting rid of it, and it underscores the duty to preserve evidence once discovery or inquiry has begun. This is why it fits best: it directly describes the act of altering or destroying evidence in a way that can affect the outcome of an investigation or case. Tampering implies manipulating evidence to mislead, but spoliation is the broader term that includes alteration or destruction within a preservation-and-procedure context. Destruction is a specific act of wiping out evidence, while obstruction focuses on hindering the investigation more generally; neither captures the formal concept of preserving or failing to preserve evidence for legal purposes. Spoliation also carries potential sanctions or adverse inferences in court when evidence is improperly destroyed or altered.