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Vinony

decriminalization

noun

  1. Reduced or absence of a criminal penalty for certain acts, illegal or legal
L319181 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /diːˌkɹɪmɪnəlaɪzˈeɪʃən/

noun

Etymology: From de- + criminalization or decriminalize + -ation.

  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.)

    “the decriminalization of all plant-based psychedelics”

    “Some opponents also said federal decriminalization would contribute to more death and injury from impaired drivers using marijuana.”

  2. 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).

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