Spoliation: meaning, definitions and examples

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spoliation

 

[ ˌspoʊliˈeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal context

Spoliation refers to the intentional destruction or alteration of evidence, usually in a legal setting. It can undermine the integrity of the judicial process and result in severe penalties for the party responsible. Courts often impose sanctions or adverse inference rulings against a party that has committed spoliation, as it can obstruct the pursuit of justice. Despite being a serious offense, the interpretation of what constitutes spoliation can vary based on jurisdiction and the specifics of each case.

Synonyms

alteration, destruction, tampering.

Examples of usage

  • The defendant faced sanctions for spoliation of evidence.
  • Spoliation can lead to a loss of credibility in court.
  • Lawyers must advise clients against spoliation of any documents.

Translations

Translations of the word "spoliation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 despoilamento

🇮🇳 लूट

🇩🇪 Plünderung

🇮🇩 perampasan

🇺🇦 спустошення

🇵🇱 spoliacja

🇯🇵 略奪

🇫🇷 spoliation

🇪🇸 despojo

🇹🇷 yağma

🇰🇷 약탈

🇸🇦 نهب

🇨🇿 spoliace

🇸🇰 spoliácia

🇨🇳 掠夺

🇸🇮 spolijacija

🇮🇸 plundrun

🇰🇿 басып алу

🇬🇪 გლეჯა

🇦🇿 sürgün

🇲🇽 despojo

Etymology

The term 'spoliation' originates from the Latin word 'spoliatio', which means 'to strip or rob'. Initially used in the context of theft and pillaging, the meaning evolved over time to encompass broader legal interpretations, particularly in the realm of evidence and information integrity. The earliest usages of the term in legal contexts can be traced back to medieval law, where it was applied to the actions of individuals who would unjustly take or destroy another's property or evidence. In contemporary law, spoliation has become a significant concept, particularly in civil litigation, where failure to preserve evidence can lead to devastating consequences. The emphasis on spoliation reflects the justice system's commitment to ensuring that all parties have fair access to the evidence necessary for their cases.