criminalization and decriminalization

Criminalization refers to the process of designating certain actions or behaviors as illegal or criminal under the law, thereby subjecting individuals who engage in such activities to legal penalties, including arrest, trial, and potential imprisonment or fines. Decriminalization, on the other hand, refers to the legislative or policy measure that eliminates or reduces criminal penalties associated with certain offenses, transforming them into civil infractions or regulated activities. Decriminalization recognizes that while an act may still be considered socially or morally undesirable, it is no longer treated as a criminal offense and typically results in less severe consequences, such as fines or counseling, rather than imprisonment.

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