What does "decriminalization" entail?

Decriminalization involves the reduction or elimination of criminal penalties associated with specific behaviors or activities. This means that certain actions that were previously considered criminal offenses are either no longer punishable by law or the penalties attached to them are significantly less severe. For example, the decriminalization of marijuana in various jurisdictions reflects a shift in how society views this substance, moving from a punitive legal approach to one that may instead impose civil penalties or regulate its use similarly to other legal substances.

In contrast to the correct understanding of decriminalization, the other options suggest extreme changes that do not align with the concept. Making all previous laws obsolete would imply a complete overhaul of the legal system, which extends far beyond decriminalization. Introducing harsher penalties contradicts the very essence of decriminalization, as it does not reduce or eliminate penalties. Finally, legalizing all forms of behavior without restriction goes beyond decriminalization, which typically involves specific regulations or guidelines rather than a blanket allowance for all actions.