Totaalcriminalisering

Totaalcriminalisering, a term of Dutch origin, translates to "total criminalization" and refers to a theoretical societal approach where all actions deemed undesirable or harmful are made illegal and subject to criminal penalties. This concept is not a recognized legal doctrine in any established jurisdiction but rather a philosophical or hypothetical construct used in discussions about the limits of law and social control.

Proponents, in a hypothetical sense, might argue that total criminalization could theoretically lead to a perfectly ordered society by eliminating all forms of deviance and misconduct. However, critics raise significant concerns about the practical and ethical implications. Such a system would necessitate an impossibly vast legal code, making it impossible for citizens to be aware of all proscribed behaviors. Enforcement would require an unprecedented level of surveillance and state intrusion into private life, fundamentally eroding individual liberty and autonomy. Furthermore, the sheer volume of offenses would likely overwhelm any justice system, leading to its collapse. The concept is often used to illustrate the dangers of excessive legalism and the importance of balancing social order with individual freedoms. It serves as a thought experiment to explore the potential negative consequences of attempting to control every aspect of human behavior through the criminal law.