Legal Definitions - tampering

Tampering refers to the act of intentionally interfering with something or someone in an unauthorized or illegal way, often to change an outcome, alter its integrity, or improperly influence a process or decision.

• Example 1: Altering a Security System

  Imagine a disgruntled former employee who, before leaving, intentionally disables or modifies the surveillance cameras and alarm system settings at their old workplace. Their goal might be to create a vulnerability or cause inconvenience.

  This illustrates tampering because the individual is illegally altering a system (the security setup) with the intent to interfere with its proper function and integrity, potentially creating a risk for the property.

• Example 2: Manipulating a Product

  Consider a scenario where a competitor secretly opens and reseals packages of a rival company's food product, replacing some contents with a harmless but unappealing substitute, before they are placed on store shelves. The aim is to damage the rival's reputation.

  This is an act of tampering as it involves illegally altering a product (the food packaging and contents) to compromise its quality and mislead consumers, thereby interfering with its intended use and market integrity.

• Example 3: Influencing a Public Process

  Suppose a wealthy individual attempts to offer gifts or favors to members of a city council committee to sway their vote on a zoning proposal that would benefit the individual's real estate development, even if the proposal is not in the public's best interest.

  This demonstrates tampering because it involves engaging in improper dealings (offering gifts/favors) in an attempt to illegally or unethically influence a public decision-making process (the city council vote) for personal gain.