Legal Definitions - legalize

Legalize

To legalize something means to make it permissible or lawful under the law. This typically involves a legislative body, such as a parliament, state assembly, or city council, passing a new law or amending an existing one to remove a prohibition or to grant official recognition and authorization to an activity, status, or practice.

Here are some examples:

• Imagine a state where sports betting was previously prohibited. If the state legislature debates and passes a bill allowing licensed casinos to offer sports betting, they are legalizing this activity. Before the new law, placing a sports bet was against the law; afterward, it becomes a lawful activity under specific regulations.

• Consider a city where local ordinances historically prevented mobile food vendors from operating on public streets. If the city council votes to approve a new ordinance that permits food trucks to operate in designated areas within the city limits, provided they obtain the necessary permits, they are legalizing food truck operations. This change establishes the conditions under which these businesses can lawfully conduct their trade.

• Think about a country where certain indigenous languages were widely spoken but lacked official recognition. If the national government enacts legislation that formally recognizes these languages as official for government services and education in specific regions, they are legalizing their use in official capacities. This grants them legal status, protection, and promotes their use in formal settings.