nonenforcement
Laws left unapplied
Nonenforcement is the deliberate choice not to enforce a law, rule, or regulation, typically by authorities who have the power to do so.
Government agencies may adopt nonenforcement policies when resources are limited, when a law is outdated, or when enforcement would conflict with other priorities.
The administration's nonenforcement of certain immigration provisions drew both praise and criticism.
Critics argue that selective nonenforcement undermines the rule of law.
Abandonment of duty
- negligenceFailure to exercise care
- inactionDeliberate nonmovement
- omissionFailure to include
- nonfeasanceFailure to perform duty
abdication · remissness · carelessness · slackness · lapse · abandonment · malfeasance · delinquency
Tolerance of behavior others forbid
- laxityLack of strictness
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- forbearancePatient self-control, delayed enforcement
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
indulgence · lenience · overlooking · soft-touch · discretion · sanctuary · decriminalization · hands-off
Obligation for one's actions
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- watchdogGuard or monitor
audit · inspection · review · governance · impunity · lawlessness · unaccountability
Ending criminal status
- moratoriumTemporary prohibition or delay
- nullificationFormal cancellation of validity
- DACAYouth immigration protection program
dereliction
Abandonment of duty
- negligenceFailure to exercise care
- inactionDeliberate nonmovement
- omissionFailure to include
nonfeasance · abdication · remissness · carelessness · slackness · lapse · abandonment · malfeasance · delinquency · inattention
permissiveness
Tolerance of behavior others forbid
- laxityLack of strictness
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- forbearancePatient self-control, delayed enforcement
clemency · indulgence · lenience · overlooking · soft-touch · discretion · sanctuary · decriminalization · hands-off · laissez-faire
accountability
Obligation for one's actions
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
watchdog · audit · inspection · review · governance · impunity · lawlessness · unaccountability
decriminalization
Ending criminal status
- moratoriumTemporary prohibition or delay
- nullificationFormal cancellation of validity
- DACAYouth immigration protection program
nonenforcementenforcement
Compelling compliance with rules
prosecution · zero tolerance · policing · crackdown · application
enforce, enforcement, enforcer, enforceable, unenforceable, unenforced, enforcements, reenforced, reenforcing