Criminalization

Pronunciation: /ˌkrɪmənələˈzeɪʃən/

Criminalization (noun)

  1. The process of deciding that an action should be treated as a crime under the law.
  2. A change in rules so that people who do something are punished by courts instead of only facing other consequences.

Examples

  • Criminalization can turn a minor act into a punishable offense.
  • The policy supports criminalization to deter harmful behavior.