Decriminalization

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines decriminalization generally as the process of removing or reducing the criminal classification or status of something and more specifically as repealing a strict ban on something while retaining some form of regulation. While many view decriminalization as legalizing a particular criminal act, in most cases it does not do so. As the definition above indicates, decriminalizing a behavior often involves reducing the seriousness assigned to the level of the behavior (e.g., reducing a Felony A offense to a Felony C offense) or getting rid of a total prohibition on something while leaving in place certain kinds of restrictions or regulations, as in the case of alcohol and Prohibition. Clearly, an important aspect of decriminalization is the resulting reduction in punishment and penalties that accompany any removal or reduction of the criminal status of an activity (e.g., jail/prison time as a potential punishment may, in some cases, become a fine or other lesser sanction). To be sure, in the United States (as in some other countries), the issue of decriminalization is virtually synonymous with discussion and debate surrounding drug use and possession, specifically the use and possession of marijuana. However, discussions of [Page 247]decriminalization (and full legalization) extend to many more behaviors than drug use and drug possession.