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decriminalization

decriminalization

8 6.7
Changing laws so an act that used to be illegal is no longer a crime
  • noun
  • /ˌdiːˌkrɪmɪnəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
translation icon : despenalización
  • Many countries are considering the decriminalization of certain drugs to reduce prison overcrowding.
  • decriminalization of marijuana

But what I can tell you is why I favor decriminalization rather than legalization.

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Examples

  • But what I can tell you is why I favor decriminalization rather than legalization.

  • There are a lot of solid arguments on the side of the decriminalization movement.

    Blog text (10)
  • As a policy, decriminalization calls for an end to the use of criminal law to address individual drug use.

    Academic text (2009)
  • However, this case is not raising that issue directly, only the decriminalization of the actions of private people.

    Blog text (34)
  • Maybe we can solve this with decriminalization and regulation.

    Academic text (2010)
  • As in his previous statement, he called for the decriminalization of homosexuality.

    Academic text (2016)
  • The decriminalization of abortions is, therefore, necessary to protect the life and health of women.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Really, it's best to combine decriminalization of sex work with criminalizing the purchase of sex.

    Blog text (28)
  • For example, subsequent to Washington State's decriminalization of recreational marijuana use, some tribes located within the state also embraced new policies toward cannabis.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The resulting state-level drug policy landscape includes continued prohibition as well as harm reduction, medicalization, and decriminalization.

    Academic text (2009)

Antonyms

The act of making something illegal by law

How Legal

legalization
  • US
52 4.1
decriminalization
8 6.7

Surface Forms

Morphology

decriminalization = decriminalize (semi-transparent) = de + crimin + al + ize + ation

This is a standard noun formation from the verb 'decriminalize' meaning the act or process of making something no longer a criminal offense.

Etymology

Decriminalization breaks into parts: de- meaning 'remove' (as in deactivate), criminal meaning 'about crime', and -ization meaning 'making'. So decriminalization is the process of 'removing' the criminal label from an action so it is no longer a crime.