In legal terms, what does "defacement" refer to in the context of vandalism?

In legal terms, "defacement" specifically refers to the action of ruining or damaging the appearance of property. This aligns with the concept of vandalism, which is characterized by intentional acts that result in the alteration, destruction, or damage of someone else's property without permission. Defacement can involve graffiti, carving into surfaces, or any behavior that visibly alters the appearance of a property, thereby degrading its value and integrity.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of defacement. While stealing property pertains to theft, normal wear and tear relates to the natural depreciation of materials over time and does not involve intentional harm. Destroying public records represents a different legal concern altogether that isn't classified under defacement in the vandalism context. By understanding that defacement is specifically about the intentional damage to appearance, one can better grasp the nature of vandalism and its implications in legal contexts.