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Decriminalization

//diːˌkɹɪmɪnəlaɪzˈeɪʃən// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The act of making an activity or substance no longer criminalized (no longer a crime, subject to criminal penalties, to perform or possess). (Compare legalization, which often implies regulation.) uncountable

    "the decriminalization of all plant-based psychedelics"

  2. 2
    legislation that makes something legal that was formerly illegal wordnet
  3. 3
    The act of ceasing to treat a person as a criminal, by making their activities legal or no longer subjecting them to the criminal justice system (but instead possibly the mental healthcare system, etc). uncountable

    "Most sex work feminists support either the legalization or the decriminalization of sex workers."

Etymology

From de- + criminalization or decriminalize + -ation.

See also for "decriminalization"

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