spoliation Definition
- 1the act of stealing or destroying goods, especially those belonging to a defeated enemy in war
- 2the deliberate destruction or alteration of archaeological or historical artifacts or sites
Using spoliation: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "spoliation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The spoliation of the conquered city was brutal and thorough.
Example
The spoliation of the ancient temple was a tragedy for historians and archaeologists.
Example
The spoliation of cultural heritage is a serious crime against humanity.
spoliation Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for spoliation
Phrases with spoliation
the intentional or negligent destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence relevant to a legal proceeding
Example
The spoliation of evidence can result in severe legal consequences.
spoliation doctrine
a legal principle that allows a court to draw an adverse inference against a party who has destroyed or failed to preserve evidence relevant to a case
Example
The spoliation doctrine can be used to sanction parties who destroy or alter evidence.
a legal claim that arises when a party has destroyed or altered evidence relevant to a case
Example
The spoliation claim can be used to seek damages for the destruction or alteration of evidence.
Origins of spoliation
from Latin 'spoliare', meaning 'to strip off'
Summary: spoliation in Brief
The term 'spoliation' [ˌspɒliˈeɪʃən] refers to the act of stealing or destroying goods, especially those belonging to a defeated enemy in war, and the deliberate destruction or alteration of archaeological or historical artifacts or sites. It extends into phrases like 'spoliation of evidence,' 'spoliation doctrine,' and 'spoliation claim,' which are used in legal contexts to refer to the destruction or alteration of evidence relevant to a case.