Decriminalisation refers to the process of reducing or eliminating criminal penalties associated with certain behaviours or activities that were previously considered illegal under the law. Instead of treating these behaviours as criminal offences punishable by incarceration or fines, decriminalisation often involves treating them as civil violations or regulatory offences subject to lesser penalties, such as fines or warnings. Decriminalization aims to shift the focus from punitive measures towards alternative approaches, such as treatment, education, or harm reduction strategies, particularly for offences related to drug possession, minor traffic violations, or certain consensual activities. Decriminalisation does not mean that the behaviour is legalised but rather that it is no longer treated as a criminal offence.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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