Reoffender Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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reoffender
[riːəˈfɛndər ]
Definition
criminal justice
A reoffender is an individual who commits a crime after having previously been convicted and served a sentence for a prior offense. This term is often used in the context of recidivism, where individuals return to criminal behavior despite undergoing rehabilitation or punishment.
Synonyms
recidivist, repeat offender.
Examples of usage
- The statistics show a high rate of reoffenders in the system.
- Judges often consider the history of reoffenders when determining sentencing.
- Programs aimed at reducing reoffender rates are being implemented.
- Many social services are geared towards helping reoffenders reintegrate into society.
Translations
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Origin of 'reoffender'
The term 'reoffender' is a compound of the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', and the word 'offender', which derives from the Latin 'offendere', meaning 'to strike against, hurt, or offend'. The concept of reoffending is closely tied to discussions around criminal justice and psychology, particularly in relation to recidivism rates. The word became more prominent in the late 20th century as societies began to focus more on rehabilitation versus punishment, leading to a growing interest in understanding why some individuals return to a life of crime after their initial sentences. With the rise of behavioral sciences, the study of patterns among reoffenders has evolved, impacting policy decisions in criminal justice systems worldwide.