Florida Fire State Practice Exam

What is the term used for interference with evidence?

1. Latent Evidence

2. Spoliation

3. Obstruction

4. Evidentiary Defect

The correct answer is: Spoliation

The term used for interference with evidence is spoliation. This concept refers specifically to the intentional destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence that is pertinent to legal proceedings. When spoliation occurs, it can have serious consequences, including the possibility of sanctions or adverse inferences drawn by the court against the party responsible for the spoliation. The legal system recognizes the importance of preserving evidence to ensure a fair trial and uphold the integrity of the judicial process. In contrast, latent evidence refers to evidence that is not immediately visible or obvious but can be uncovered through investigation. Obstruction typically refers to acts that hinder or prevent law enforcement or legal processes, while evidentiary defect points to flaws in the evidence that undermine its reliability or admissibility in court. None of these terms precisely capture the specific act of interference described by spoliation. Thus, spoliation is the accurate term to describe the interference with evidence.