Tampering with evidence, or evidence tampering, is an act in which a person alters, conceals, falsifies, or destroys evidence with the intent to interfere with an investigation (usually) by a law-enforcement, governmental, or regulatory authority.[1] It is a criminal offense in many jurisdictions.[2]
Tampering with evidence is closely related to the legal issue of spoliation of evidence, which is usually the civil law or due process version of the same concept (but may itself be a crime). Tampering with evidence is also closely related to obstruction of justice and perverting the course of justice, and these two kinds of crimes are often charged together. The goal of tampering with evidence is usually to cover up a crime or with intent to injure the accused person.[3][4]
- ^ Sanchirico, Chris W. (February 2004). "Evidence Tampering". Duke Law Journal. 53 (4): 1215. Retrieved 21 July 2017.
- ^ "Destruction of document or electronic record to prevent its production as evidence". Singapore Statutes. 2 November 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
- ^ "False charge of offence made with intent to injure". Singapore Statutes. 2 November 2020. Archived from the original on 24 June 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
- ^ "Wrongful Convictions in Singapore: A General Survey of Risk Factors". Archived from the original on 12 June 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2020.