decriminalization

Definitions

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
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).
   uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“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.”

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

CEFR level