Reincarceration Meaning: Definition and Examples
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reincarceration
[ˌriːɪnˈkɑːrsəˌreɪʃən ]
Definition
criminal justice
Reincarceration refers to the act of sending an individual back to prison after having been released. This is often due to a violation of parole conditions or the commission of a new crime. Reincarceration can highlight issues within the criminal justice system, such as the challenges of rehabilitation and the effectiveness of parole supervision.
Synonyms
detention, imprisonment, re-imprisonment.
Examples of usage
- The study showed a high rate of reincarceration among former inmates.
- Reincarceration can be detrimental to individuals trying to reintegrate into society.
- The policy changes aimed to reduce occurrences of reincarceration.
Interesting Facts
Sociology
- Research shows that many individuals experience reincarceration due to a lack of social support once released from prison.
- Recidivism rates often rise in communities struggling with poverty, unemployment, and limited access to rehabilitation resources.
Psychology
- Many who experience reincarceration struggle with mental health issues that can be exacerbated by the stigma of having been in prison.
- Effective interventions often require not just legal changes but also psychological support to help prevent cycles of re-offending.
Criminal Justice
- In the United States, approximately two-thirds of released prisoners are re-arrested within three years, indicating a high trend of reincarceration.
- Studies suggest reforming parole systems might help reduce rates of reincarceration by providing better support during reintegration.
Cultural Perspectives
- Reincarceration is viewed differently across cultures; some societies emphasize rehabilitation, while others focus more on punishment.
- The portrayal of reincarceration in media often highlights societal views on justice and redemption, sparking discussions about prison reform.
Origin of 'reincarceration'
Main points about word origin
- This term combines 're-' which means 'again' and 'incarceration,' which comes from the Latin word 'carcer' meaning 'prison.'
- The word reflects legal and social contexts where individuals repeat behaviors leading to imprisonment.
The term 'reincarceration' is formed from the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', and 'incarceration', which comes from the Latin 'incarcerare', meaning 'to imprison'. The use of 'incarceration' in English dates back to the late 19th century when it began to be used in a legal context. As discussions around the criminal justice system evolved, particularly regarding recidivism and rehabilitation, the term 'reincarceration' emerged to describe the phenomenon of former prisoners being incarcerated again. In recent decades, the increasing focus on prison reform, mental health issues, and societal reintegration has led to heightened awareness of the factors contributing to reincarceration, emphasizing the need for better support systems for individuals transitioning from prison back to society.