What does the term "recidivism" refer to in criminal justice?

Recidivism refers to the tendency of convicted criminals to reoffend, often after having undergone a period of rehabilitation or serving their sentence. This concept is crucial in criminal justice discussions because it helps to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, sentencing practices, and overall criminal justice policies. High rates of recidivism may indicate failures in these areas, prompting the need for policy reforms or new strategies to reduce repeat offenses. Understanding recidivism is essential for developing measures aimed at lowering crime rates and improving public safety, thus making it a significant focus in criminal justice research and practice.