decriminalization

== English == === Alternative forms === (mainly UK) decriminalisation === Etymology === From de- +‎ criminalization or decriminalize +‎ -ation. === Pronunciation === enPR: dēkrĭ"mĭnəlīzā'shən, IPA(key): /diːˌkɹɪmɪnəlaɪzˈeɪʃən/ === Noun === decriminalization (uncountable) 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 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). ==== Antonyms ==== criminalization ==== Hypernyms ==== legal reclassification ==== Translations ==== === See also === legalization