legalization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legalization" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of making something legal that was previously illegal, often in the context of laws or regulations. Example: "The legalization of cannabis has sparked debates across the country regarding its social and economic impacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Suppose that the moral case for legalizing voluntary euthanasia does come to be judged as stronger than the case against legalization and voluntary euthanasia is made legally permissible in more jurisdictions than at present.

SEP

Several countries that have legalized prostitution, such as the Netherlands and Germany, have engaged in vigorous debates about whether legal prostitution is a voluntarily chosen occupation for many, whether legalization has bettered the circumstances for prostitutes, and whether legalization has been coupled with enhanced enforcement of laws against sex trafficking or other sex crimes.

SEP

U.S. judge who upheld citizens' rights over the power of the government while presiding over landmark legal cases, including the Watergate scandal, the Iran-contra affair, the legalization of abortion, and the release of the top-secret Pentagon Papers, a government study about the Vietnam War.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The report responds to lawmakers, mainly Republicans, who have argued that federal authorities must do much more to strengthen enforcement before Congress can consider any legalization for an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the country.

The New York Times

There's little danger that legalization will result in a glut of wingsuit pilots and parachutists, according to Giraud.

The Guardian - Sport

Support for weed legalization comes from both liberals and libertarians like Ron Paul and Gary Johnson.

The Guardian - Opinion

Marijuana legalization The issue of marijuana legalization is not quite as polarizing as same-sex marriage, but is still at the forefront for the culture war.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Slutgate" (that's the technical term) came on the heels of a number of other sexual controversies: the Susan G Komen/Planed Parenthood debacle, the legalization of gay marriage in several states, Proposition 8 being ruled unconstitutional, the GOP's war on birth control and, of course, Snooki's pregnancy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Youth voters were for legalization in Colorado by more than 40 points and in Washington by 15 points.

The Guardian - Opinion

In his dissent in Lawrence, Justice Antonin Scalia said the case would mean the legalization of "bigamy, same-sex marriage, adult incest, prostitution, masturbation, adultery, fornication, bestiality and obscenity".

The New York Times

"Support for legalization, though growing markedly", they write, "is not as intense as opposition, and is likely to remain relatively shallow so long as marijuana itself is not seen as a positive good".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "legalization" of a specific substance or activity, clearly define the scope of the proposed changes to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "legalization" and decriminalization interchangeably. "Legalization" removes all legal prohibitions, while decriminalization reduces or eliminates criminal penalties but may still involve regulations or fines.

Linguistic Context

The term "legalization" functions primarily as a noun. It denotes the process of making something legal, which was previously illegal or prohibited. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "legalization" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that refers to the process of making something lawful. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It frequently appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific discussions, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When using "legalization", it's crucial to distinguish it from decriminalization and other related terms to ensure clarity. As such, understanding the subtle yet significant difference between the terms is vital for effective communication. Remember to clearly define the scope of "legalization" being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decriminalization

Focuses specifically on removing criminal penalties, a subset of making something legal.

legitimization

Emphasizes the act of making something acceptable or legitimate, often in a social or political context.

legal authorisation

Highlights the granting of official permission by legal means.

official sanction

Implies formal approval or consent by an authority.

lawful approval

Stresses the aspect of approval in accordance with the law.

validation

Suggests confirming or establishing the validity of something, which can involve legal aspects.

ratification

Implies formal confirmation or approval, often of a treaty or agreement.

authorisation

Focuses on the act of giving permission or authority.

licensing

Refers specifically to granting a license to permit an activity.

formal approval

Highlights the act of giving official consent.

FAQs

How is "legalization" used in a sentence?

"Legalization" is used to describe the process of making something legal. For example, "The "legalization" of marijuana has sparked considerable debate."

What are some alternatives to using the word "legalization"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "decriminalization", "legitimization", or "lawful approval".

What is the difference between "legalization" and decriminalization?

"Legalization" removes all legal prohibitions, whereas "decriminalization" reduces or eliminates criminal penalties without necessarily making the activity fully legal.

Is "legalization" the same as "legitimization"?

While related, "legalization" refers specifically to making something legal under the law. "Legitimization" is a broader term that refers to making something acceptable or legitimate, often in a social or political context, not necessarily by changing the law.