decriminalize

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Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To remove or reduce the criminal status of an activity or substance: To change the law so that a specific act is no longer considered a crime, often reducing penalties or treating it as a civil matter instead.
Usage
  • The verb "decriminalize" is used to describe a legal change, typically by a government or legislative body. It is often followed by the object being decriminalized (e.g., a substance or an act).
  • It is commonly used in discussions of social policy, law reform, and civil liberties.
Examples
  • Verb:
    • The city voted to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis.
    • Many advocates argue that governments should decriminalize certain non-violent offenses to reduce prison overcrowding.
Advanced Usage
  • "To be decriminalized" (Passive Voice): Used to describe the state or result of the legal change.
    • In several jurisdictions, sex work has been decriminalized.
  • Conceptual Usage: The term is often part of broader debates about public health versus criminal justice approaches.
    • The movement seeks to decriminalize addiction and treat it as a health issue.
Variants and Related Words
  • Decriminalization (n): The process or result of making an activity no longer a criminal offense.
    • The decriminalization of petty theft remains a controversial topic.
  • Criminalize (v): The opposite action; to make an activity illegal.
  • Legalize (v): A stronger, often related term meaning to make something fully legal, not just remove criminal penalties. (Note: "Decriminalize" often implies reduced penalties but not necessarily full, regulated legality, whereas "legalize" often does.)
Synonyms
  • Depenalize: To remove or reduce penalties for.
  • Legitimize (in a specific legal sense): To make lawful or acceptable.
Antonyms
  • Criminalize
  • Prohibit
  • Outlaw
Related Phrases
  • "Move to decriminalize": Describes the legislative or policy action.
    • There is a growing political movement to decriminalize psilocybin for therapeutic use.
  • "Decriminalize and regulate": A common policy sequence where an activity is first decriminalized and then brought under a formal regulatory framework.
Verb
  1. make legal
    • Marijuana should be legalized

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