Legalization Theory

Legalization Theory explores how and why certain activities transition from being illegal or unregulated to legally sanctioned by authorities. It examines the social, political, and economic forces driving these changes, emphasizing that legalization is often a result of shifting attitudes, evidence of harm or benefit, and policy debates. The theory helps explain the process of how laws evolve, reflecting changing norms and values within society. Overall, it provides a framework to understand the dynamics behind making previously unlawful behaviors permissible within a legal system.