What is the term for the act of repeating an offense?

The term that refers to the act of repeating an offense is "recidivism." This concept is commonly used in the criminal justice system to describe individuals who have been previously convicted of a crime and subsequently re-offend. Recidivism is often a significant concern because it highlights the challenges related to effective rehabilitation and prevention of future crimes.

When discussing recidivism, it's important to note that it is typically measured by the rate at which former offenders commit new offenses after being released from incarceration or completing a sentence. Reducing recidivism rates is a focus for correctional policies and programs aimed at helping individuals reintegrate into society successfully.

Other terms in the choices provided refer to different aspects of the criminal justice process. "Reoffending" can be seen as a synonym for recidivism, but it is not as commonly used in a formal context to describe the statistical phenomenon. "Restitution" refers to the compensation paid by an offender to the victim of their crime, while "rehabilitation" is the process of helping an offender reintegrate into society and avoid further criminal behavior. These concepts, while related, do not capture the specific act of repeating an offense as succinctly as recidiv