Decarceration

/ˌdiːkɑːr.səˈreɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The process or policy of reducing the number of individuals held in incarceration, typically through alternative sentencing, early release, or legal reforms.
    Decarceration efforts aim to address prison overcrowding and promote rehabilitation.

Forms

  • decarceration

Commentary

Decarceration is often discussed in the context of systemic legal reforms targeting mass incarceration and emphasizes reducing imprisonment rather than punitive expansion.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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