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:

abortion breastfeeding in public drug possession, and recreational drug use                          euthanasia gambling

homosexuality polygamy prostitution public nudity age of consent steroid use in sport

While decriminalized acts are no longer crimes under local or state law, they may still be the subject of penalties under federal law; 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.

Drug-use decriminalisation topics

Cannabis legalization in Canada Cannabis rescheduling Colorado Amendment 44 (2006) Decriminalization of non-medicinal marijuana in the United States       Places that have decriminalized marijuana in the United States Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Legal history of marijuana in the United States

Legal and medical status of cannabis Legality of cannabis by country Legality of cannabis Marijuana Policy Project Responsible drug use War on Drugs

See also

Drug liberalization Drug policy of the Soviet Union Legal issues of anabolic steroids Legalization Liberalization Alcohol prohibition Prostitution in Canada

Prostitution in Rhode Island Public-order crime Sex worker Sodomy law Timeline of LGBT history Victimless crime

External links

• Seattle Hempfest
• Documentary film