Legal Definitions - Recidivism

Recidivism is when someone keeps committing crimes even after being punished for them. For example, if someone steals something, goes to jail, gets out, and then steals something again, that's recidivism.

High rates of recidivism in a certain area can mean that the punishment system there isn't working well. It might mean that people who go to jail aren't getting the help they need to stop committing crimes.

For instance, if a city has a lot of people who keep going back to jail after being released, it might be a sign that the city needs to improve its programs for helping people stay out of trouble.