Recidivism

/rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzəm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.

The study aimed to understand the factors contributing to recidivism among former inmates.

The act of relapsing into criminal behavior after serving a sentence.

High rates of recidivism indicate that the rehabilitation programs need improvement.

A return to previous criminal behavior after a period of correction or rehabilitation.

Despite the support from counselors, his recidivism was a concern for the parole board.

The recurrence of criminal tendencies after a period of abstention.

Judges often take recidivism into account when determining sentences for repeat offenders.

The likelihood of reoffending based on historical data and personal circumstances.

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.

Repeat offender

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

Career criminal

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