Spoliation
/spəʊliˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) The wrongful destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence relevant to litigation.
The court sanctioned the party for spoliation of evidence during discovery.
- (n.) The act of depriving someone of property by force or wrongful means, often in the context of heirship or estate law.
The heir claimed spoliation after the assets were unlawfully taken from the estate.
See also
Commentary
Spoliation is principally used in evidentiary contexts; precise identification of destroyed or altered evidence is critical for effective sanctions.
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.