Glossary

Decriminalisation

Decriminalisation refers to the removal of criminal charges or penalties that were previously attached to a certain law, whilst maintaining its illegal status.

Decriminalisation refers to the reclassification of a certain law. Once decriminalised, criminal penalties are removed and the act is no longer considered a crime, but it is still regulated by the police. In the UK, 50% of Londoners support the decriminalisation of cannabis, and a third believe this would lead to a reduction in crime. 

To find out more about decriminalisation click here