What is the difference between reconviction and recidivism?

Definitions

reconviction

- Referring to the act of being found guilty of a crime again after having been convicted previously.

- Talking about the legal process of being charged and found guilty of a new offense while still serving a sentence for a previous one.

- Describing the outcome of a criminal trial where the defendant is found guilty of a new offense after having been convicted previously.

recidivism

- Referring to the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend or commit another crime after being released from prison or serving a sentence.

- Talking about the likelihood of a person who has been convicted of a crime to commit another offense in the future.

- Describing the pattern of criminal behavior where an individual repeatedly engages in criminal activity despite previous convictions or punishments.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words are related to criminal behavior.
• 2. Both words describe the repetition of criminal activity.
• 3. Both words indicate a negative outcome for the individual involved.
• 4. Both words are used in legal and policy contexts.
• 5. Both words involve the concept of punishment and rehabilitation.

What is the difference?

• 1. Definition: Reconviction refers specifically to being found guilty of a new offense after a previous conviction, while recidivism refers to the general tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.
• 2. Timing: Reconviction occurs during the period of serving a sentence, while recidivism occurs after the sentence has been served.
• 3. Legal status: Reconviction is a legal term used in court proceedings, while recidivism is a broader social and policy concept.
• 4. Focus: Reconviction emphasizes the legal process and outcome, while recidivism focuses on the individual's behavior and likelihood of reoffending.
• 5. Measurement: Reconviction is measured by the number of times an individual is found guilty of a new offense, while recidivism is measured by the percentage of ex-convicts who reoffend within a certain period.

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Remember this!

Reconviction and recidivism are two related terms used in the context of criminal behavior. While both words describe the repetition of criminal activity, reconviction refers specifically to being found guilty of a new offense after a previous conviction, while recidivism refers to the general tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend. Reconviction is a legal term used in court proceedings, while recidivism is a broader social and policy concept.