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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Explanation

When something that was once against the law becomes legal, that process is decriminalization. Someone who wants to open a casino might lobby for the decriminalization of gambling in her city. Interracial marriage was once illegal in most of the United States, and its official decriminalization didn't occur until 1967, when the Supreme Court ruled that such laws were unconstitutional. You can also use this word to describe what happens when laws are no longer strictly enforced, despite not being actually overturned. This kind of decriminalization might result in drug offenders being sent to treatment programs instead of prison, for example.

Example Sentences

"The idea behind decriminalization was one simple thing: to stop all of us from going to jail again and again and again," he said.

From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026

Mississippi, New York, and North Carolina all passed decriminalization laws.

From Slate • Dec. 23, 2025

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 • Apr. 3, 2024

The abrupt rollback is a devastating turn for decriminalization proponents who say the large number of overdose deaths stems from a confluence of factors and failures largely unrelated to the law.

From New York Times • Mar. 1, 2024

Voters passed the pioneering decriminalization law, Measure 110, with 58% support in 2020.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 23, 2024