Decriminalization

Decriminalization

Decriminalization or Decriminalisation is the abolition of criminal penalties in relation to certain acts, perhaps retroactively, though perhaps regulated permits or fines might still apply (for contrast, see: Legalization). The reverse process is criminalization.

Decriminalization reflects changing social and moral views. A society may come to the view that an act is not harmful, should no longer be criminalized, or is otherwise not a matter to be addressed by the criminal justice system. Examples of subject matter which have been the subject of changing views on criminality over time in various societies and countries include:

While decriminalized acts are no longer crimes, they may still be the subject of penalties; for example a monetary fine in place of a criminal charge for the possession of a decriminalized drug. This should be contrasted with legalization, which removes all or most legal detriments from a previously illegal act.

Contents

Drug-use decriminalisation topics

See also

References

  1. ^ "Forum focuses on polygamy woes". Deseret Morning News. April 25, 2007. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,660214924,00.html. Retrieved 2009-06-18. 

External links



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Look at other dictionaries:

  • decriminalization — The repeal or amendment of statutes which made certain acts criminal, so that those acts no longer are crimes or subject to prosecution. Category: Criminal Law Category: Small Claims Court & Lawsuits Nolo’s Plain English Law Dictionary. Gerald N …   Law dictionary

  • decriminalization — 1945, from DE (Cf. de ) + CRIMINAL (Cf. criminal) + IZE (Cf. ize) + ATION (Cf. ation). Especially in reference to narcotics since c.1968 …   Etymology dictionary

  • decriminalization — (Amer.) n. act of making something legal that was formerly illegal (also decriminalisation) …   English contemporary dictionary

  • decriminalization — decriminalize (also decriminalise) ► VERB ▪ cease to treat (something) as illegal. DERIVATIVES decriminalization noun …   English terms dictionary

  • Decriminalization of marijuana — could refer to: Legality of cannabis Medical cannabis Cannabis rescheduling Cannabis reform at the international level In the United States: Decriminalization of non medical cannabis in the United States Places that have decriminalized non… …   Wikipedia

  • Decriminalization of non-medical cannabis in the United States — United States non medical cannabis decriminalization laws (as of January 2009) Note: Federal law bans all forms of cannabis and THC as a schedule I drug, as per the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 …   Wikipedia

  • Decriminalization of non-medical marijuana in the United States — [ ] ColoradoIn Colorado, Amendment 44 would have legalized possession of 28.45 grams or less by adults age 21 and older, but the amendment was rejected by 60 40 percent. [cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/states/CO/I/04/|… …   Wikipedia

  • decriminalization — noun see decriminalize …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • decriminalization — See decriminalize. * * * …   Universalium

  • decriminalization — noun /diːˌkrɪmɪnəlaɪzˈeɪʃən/ The act of making a previously illegal activity no longer treatable as a criminal offence.<!but not the same as legalisation Ant: criminalization …   Wiktionary

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