decriminalization

American  

[dee-kri-muh-nuh-lahy-zay-shuhn] / diˌkrɪ mə nə laɪˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act by legislators of removing criminal restrictions or penalties on something.

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Example Sentences

He supported a partial rollback of Oregon’s pioneering drug decriminalization law this year and dedicated more staff members to prosecuting violent crime.

From New York Times

Some proponents of decriminalization say those who engage in the work of their own volition are being put further in harm’s way by efforts to curb trafficking.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s clear that we must do something to try and adjust what’s going on out in our communities,” State Senator Chris Gorsek, a Democrat who had supported decriminalization, said in an interview.

From New York Times

But opponents said the drugs’ benefits are still largely unknown, and the bill could lead to more crimes — though studies in recent years have shown decriminalization does not increase crime rates.

From Seattle Times

Whitham noted that decriminalization was "no longer a novel approach," but rather a growing practice "across the world and works well."

From Salon