Decriminalization vs. Legalization
Key Differences
Comparison Chart
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Legitimacy
Penalty
Decriminalization and Legalization Definitions
Decriminalization
Legalization
Decriminalization
Legalization
Decriminalization
Legalization
Decriminalization
Legalization
Decriminalization vs. Legalization
Legalization and decriminalization are the terms used in law language usually. Due to ongoing marijuana conflicts regarding allowing it or not to the public both the terms are widely used nowadays. Basically, the term legalization is used when a law is made for some act or product that the particular act or product is not allowed before and is no more restricted. It becomes legal from illegal but under certain conditions usually. Similarly, when it comes to decriminalization the term is used in a situation when the punishment or charge is removed from an act which is still considered to be illegal and in such case the person would have to face penalty or fine. So besides being illegal act or utilization of the specified product is free from the lawful procedure. Both the terms are thus associated with the law.
What is legalization?
The term legalization is used when a law is made for some act or product that the particular act or product is not allowed before and is no more restricted. It becomes legal from illegal but under certain conditions usually. There is no charge or penalty over it. For example, in case of marijuana, it is no more illegal and hence if a person is found using it he will not be charged or fined or even be reprimanded by authorities for doing this. The things might not be accepted by the society and considered as an unethical thing or act and being individually punished by the society is something different. For instance, a father sees his son using marijuana or smoking cigarette, he might punish him but the son would be free from any sort of judicial procedure. The most controversial legalization is marijuana and prostitution, though the act is extremely intolerable for the society.
What is Decriminalization?
Decriminalization means that there would be no certain charge on a certain act but still would be considered as an illegal act. The term is used in a situation when the punishment or charge is removed from an act which is still considered to be illegal and in such case the person would have to face penalty or fine. So besides being illegal act or utilization of the specified product is free from the lawful procedure. For example, alcohol being decriminalized in our country is being sold and purchased but a license is required for the selling and purchasing purpose of the alcohol. If a person is found dealing with it without a license it would be considered illegal and in addition to it he or she may not follow any charges but at the same time, he would be fined. Other examples of acts or products being decriminalized are abortion, marijuana, prostitution, public nudity, steroid use in sports, euthanasia, and gambling etc.
