What term describes the act of deliberately scratching a neighbor's car?

The act of deliberately scratching a neighbor's car falls under the definition of trespass to goods. This term refers to any unauthorized interference with someone's personal property, which in this case is the neighbor's car. Scratching the car is a physical act that damages or alters the property without the owner's consent.

This concept is critical in understanding property rights, as it emphasizes that individuals have the right to control and protect their possessions from harm or interference by others. While other terms like nuisance, trespass to land, and assault are related to different legal issues—such as interference with enjoyment of property or physical harm to a person—none of them accurately describe the specific act of damaging another's goods, which is the essence of trespass to goods.