Which of the following actions would constitute a violation under the law regarding criminal history records?

Obtaining records without needing them constitutes a violation under the law regarding criminal history records because it reflects a misuse of access rights granted for specific purposes. Criminal history records are typically protected by laws that dictate who can access this information and under what circumstances it can be requested. These laws are in place to ensure that records are only utilized for legitimate purposes, such as employment screening or legal proceedings. Accessing these records without a genuine need or lawful purpose can lead to unauthorized use, potential breaches of privacy, and trust issues within the justice system.

In contrast, the other actions listed involve legitimate access to criminal history records: requesting them for employment verification supports the hiring process in a responsible manner, accessing records for legal cases is a necessary part of legal proceedings, and disseminating records to authorized parties adheres to compliance regulations that govern who may receive such information.