| − | To '''decriminalize''' an activity is to [[repeal]] [[laws]] that made such an activity illegal. Many [[liberals]] wish to decriminalize the possession and use of [[marijuana]] and other illegal [[drugs]]. | + | To '''decriminalize''' an activity is to [[repeal]] [[laws]] that made such an activity a [[Crime|criminal offence]]. In some cases this may mean the legalization of the activity, and in others the activity may still be illegal, but offenders are only reprimanded with a warning rather than being punished with arrest, trial, sentencing and a criminal record. Many [[liberals]] wish to decriminalize the possession and use of [[marijuana]] and other illegal [[drugs]]. |