recidivism
/ri'sidivizm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The act of relapsing into a previous pattern of behavior, especially criminal behavior: Recidivism specifically refers to the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend or return to criminal activity after having been punished or undergone rehabilitation.
Usage
- Recidivism is primarily used in formal contexts related to criminology, law, social work, and justice system policy. It is a measure of the failure of rehabilitation or punishment to deter future crime.
- It is typically used as an uncountable noun (e.g., "high recidivism," "a problem of recidivism").
Examples
- Noun:
- The new rehabilitation program aims to reduce recidivism among former inmates.
- Studies show a strong correlation between lack of employment opportunities and high rates of recidivism.
- The judge considered the defendant's history of recidivism when determining the sentence.
Advanced Usage
- "Recidivism rate": A statistical measure expressing the percentage of released prisoners who are rearrested, reconvicted, or returned to prison within a specific period.
- Policymakers are analyzing the three-year recidivism rate to evaluate the program's effectiveness.
Variants and Related Words
- Recidivist (noun): A person who repeatedly commits crimes and seems unable to stop; a repeat offender.
- The serial burglar was identified as a habitual recidivist.
- Recidivistic (adjective): Characterized by or relating to recidivism.
- The study focused on recidivistic behavior patterns.
Synonyms
- Relapse: A return to criminal or undesirable behavior.
- Reoffending: The act of committing another crime after being punished for a previous one.
Antonyms
- Rehabilitation: The process of restoring someone to a normal life through therapy and education, often used as a goal to prevent recidivism.
- Reform: Improvement or positive change in behavior, especially to cease criminal activity.
Noun
- habitual relapse into crime