misdemeanorization

misdemeanorization (countable and uncountable, plural misdemeanorizations)

1. The act of making a previously non-misdemeanor activity a misdemeanor
   • 1974, Richard D Knudten & Anthony C Meade, “Marijuana and social policies”, in Addictive Diseases: An International Journal, volume 1, number 3:

     Misdemeanorization is suggested as a rational solution to this situation.

   • 1995, David M. Zlotnick, “Empowering the Battered Woman”, in Ohio State Law Journal, volume 56, page 1203:

     However, I argue that framing the issue as a contempt of court is still superior to the misdemeanorization of violations.

   • 2000 November 6, RobtCohen, “Nader-Gore-Bush Quandary”, in alt.philosophy, Usenet:

     If he is voting for Bush, then he is voting for: The continued criminalization (and "misdemeanorization") of human beings caught vending & playing around in drugs, prostitution, and gambling.

   • 2011 California Governor Signs Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Topix

     Marijuana was decriminalized in CA a LONG time ago. What has happened now is de-misdemeanorization

• misdemeanorize
• misdemeanourous

• criminalization
• felonization