Contamination
/kɒnˌtæmɪˈneɪʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) The act or process of making something impure or unsuitable by contact or mixture with a harmful or unlawful substance, especially in environmental law or evidence law.
The factory was fined for contamination of the nearby water supply.
- (n.) In evidence law, the alteration or corruption of evidence or a crime scene that can affect the integrity of the proof.
The defense argued that contamination of the crime scene compromised the validity of the evidence.
Forms
- contamination
- contaminations
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal drafting, specify the precise type of contamination to avoid ambiguity, as its implications vary significantly between environmental regulation and evidentiary standards.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.