Meaning & Definition of word "Recidivism"

Recidivism

/rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzəm/

1. The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.
- Example: The study aimed to understand the factors contributing to recidivism among former inmates.
2. The act of relapsing into criminal behavior after serving a sentence.
- Example: High rates of recidivism indicate that the rehabilitation programs need improvement.
3. A return to previous criminal behavior after a period of correction or rehabilitation.
- Example: Despite the support from counselors, his recidivism was a concern for the parole board.
4. The recurrence of criminal tendencies after a period of abstention.
- Example: Judges often take recidivism into account when determining sentences for repeat offenders.
5. The likelihood of reoffending based on historical data and personal circumstances.
- Example: Researchers are focusing on how socio-economic factors influence recidivism rates.

From Latin 'recidivus', meaning 'fallen back', from 'recidere', meaning 'to fall back'.

cycle of recidivism:

The ongoing pattern of re-offending after punishment.

high recidivism rates:

A term used to describe a large proportion of previous offenders who return to criminal behavior.

addressing recidivism:

Efforts and programs aimed at reducing the likelihood of offenders re-offending.

recidivist:

A person who relapses into a bad habit, especially a criminal act.

rehabilitation:

The process of helping a person to readjust to society after being imprisoned.

criminal behavior:

Conduct that violates the criminal laws of a jurisdiction.

Meaning: Repeat offender

Example Sentence: He's a repeat offender, always getting caught in the same crimes.

Meaning: Career criminal

Example Sentence: Some people see him as a career criminal, no hope of changing his ways.