To remove or reduce the criminal status of.
Example:
An angry debate over decriminalizing doctor-assisted suicide ranged all day at the statehouse.
Decriminalization of various "victimless crimes" -- crimes that do not directly harm others, such as private gambling and drug-taking -- has been recommended by conservatives as well as liberals, who claim that it would ease the burden on the legal system and decrease the amount of money flowing to criminals. Decriminalization is sometimes distinguished from legalization, since it may still call for a fine like a traffic ticket, or it may apply only to use or possession, leaving the actual sale of goods or services illegal.