What is considered vandalism by law?

Vandalism by law is primarily defined as the intentional damage to or destruction of someone else's property without the owner's consent. This definition underscores the element of intent and the unauthorized nature of the action. When someone damages property, whether it’s graffiti on a wall, breaking windows, or other forms of defacement, these actions clearly demonstrate an intent to alter, damage, or destroy that property, which legally qualifies as vandalism.

The other options, while they might involve property and could relate to issues of property value or maintenance, do not fit the legal definition of vandalism. For instance, altering property can imply changes that might not necessarily lead to damage or destruction. Neglecting property maintenance could lead to deteriorating conditions, but it does not involve willful destruction or harm to the property itself. Similarly, loss of property value does not inherently indicate an act of vandalism, as value can decrease for many reasons unrelated to intentional acts of damage. Therefore, the focus on the intentionality and the lack of owner consent in damaging property makes the first option the clear definition of vandalism in legal terms.