What does the term “manipulated evidence” indicate?

The term “manipulated evidence” specifically refers to evidence that has been altered or tampered with in some way. This alteration could involve changing the physical aspects of the evidence itself, such as its appearance or structure, or it could include the fabrication of certain aspects of the evidence to mislead investigations or outcomes. This manipulation compromises the integrity of the evidence, making it unreliable in legal contexts.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what manipulated evidence signifies. Evidence collected from a crime scene may be unaltered and thus not manipulated. Fictional evidence suggests a complete invention of information, which does not align with the notion of altering existing materials or findings. Legal documentation simply refers to how evidence is presented, without any suggestion of manipulation involved in its nature.