What is referred to as evidence that may change or be lost over time?

The term that describes evidence that may change or be lost over time is evanescent evidence. This type of evidence is often temporary by nature, meaning it can fade away, be altered, or even completely disappear if not collected and preserved quickly. Examples include things like tire tracks, footprints, and certain types of digital evidence that can be altered or deleted.

In contrast, direct evidence refers to evidence that directly proves a fact without the need for inference, such as eyewitness testimony. Curtilage defines the area immediately surrounding a home, which has certain protections under law, while custodial arrest refers to the situation where an individual is taken into police custody, effectively limiting their freedom. These concepts do not share the same immediacy and vulnerability to change as evanescent evidence does, highlighting the importance of swift action in gathering it to maintain its integrity.