Basis of Criminalization and Decriminalization

Abstract
In this article the philosophical approaches were explored on which the criminal responsibility is based and the definitions of the crime which were given in different theories were compared with the definition in our Criminal Code. Considering that the person who committed a crime will get a punishment, theoretical thoughts about the aims of punishment, its role in the criminalization process and the distinctive features of the criminal law were investigated here. As a result the guiding principles which must be considered in criminalization and decriminalization process are represented in the article.