Which term describes alterations to evidence that compromise its reliability?

The term "spoliation" specifically refers to the alteration, destruction, or failure to preserve evidence that compromises its reliability or integrity. This is a critical concept in both legal and investigative contexts, as spoliation can lead to challenges in the admissibility of evidence or can undermine the investigative process. When evidence is spoiled, it may no longer accurately represent the state of affairs at the time of an incident, which can impact investigations, court cases, or overall understanding of the facts involved.

Other terms, while relevant in different contexts, do not capture the essence of compromising evidence due to alteration or destruction in the same way. For instance, deterioration refers to the natural decline in the quality or integrity of evidence due to environmental factors but does not imply intentional or neglectful actions. Contamination involves the introduction of foreign materials or substances that may affect the evidence, while decomposition pertains specifically to the breakdown of organic material. Each of these alternative terms plays a role in discussions about evidence integrity, but they do not encompass the wider implications of legal accountability associated with spoliation.