Decriminalization (noun)

1. The act of removing or reducing the criminal status or penalty for a certain activity or behavior.
2. The process of making a certain activity or behavior no longer a criminal offense, but subject to civil penalties or regulation.

Origin:

From the prefix de-, meaning removal, and the word criminalization, meaning the act of making something illegal or a crime.

Examples:

1. The decriminalization of marijuana has been a contentious issue for many years, with some states legalizing it and others maintaining strict penalties.
2. The decriminalization of prostitution has been advocated by some as a way to reduce the spread of diseases and protect the rights of sex workers.
3. The decriminalization of homosexuality has been a major step forward for the LGBTQ+ community, removing the stigma and discrimination faced by many.
4. The decriminalization of abortion has been a key issue for women's rights advocates, allowing women to make decisions about their own bodies and health.
5. The decriminalization of assisted suicide has been a hot topic in many countries, with some allowing it under certain circumstances and others prohibiting it entirely.