CRIMINALIZATION

criminalization (krim-[schwa]-n[schwa]l-[schwa]-zay-sh[schwa]n), n. 1. The act or an instance of making a previously lawful act criminal, usu. by passing a statute. Cf. DECRIMINALIZATION; CIVILIZATION. [Cases: Criminal Law 3. C.J.S. Affray § 14; Criminal Law§ 19.] 2. The process by which a person develops into a criminal.