A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Decriminalization is when a government removes criminal penalties for an act, omission, article, or behavior that is considered a crime. This means that the act is still illegal, but people will not be prosecuted for it. Instead, they may face a civil fine or require drug treatment/education.

One example of decriminalization is marijuana. Several states in the US have decriminalized marijuana, which means that people caught with a small amount of marijuana will not be arrested or sent to jail. Instead, they may face a civil fine or be required to attend drug treatment or education programs.

Another example of decriminalization is prostitution. In some countries, prostitution is decriminalized, which means that people who engage in prostitution will not be arrested or sent to jail. However, the act of soliciting or pimping is still illegal and can result in criminal charges.

Decriminalization is a way for governments to reduce the harm caused by criminalizing certain behaviors. By removing criminal penalties, people who engage in these behaviors are less likely to be stigmatized, marginalized, or incarcerated. Instead, they may receive support and resources to address the underlying issues that led to their behavior.

The examples of marijuana and prostitution illustrate how decriminalization works in practice. In both cases, the act is still considered illegal, but people who engage in it are not treated as criminals. Instead, they may face civil penalties or be required to attend treatment or education programs. This approach is seen as more humane and effective than criminalizing these behaviors, which can lead to a cycle of poverty, addiction, and incarceration.