An Analysis and Evaluation of the Factors Influencing Recidivism and Strategies for Preventing Reoffending in Iran
Subject Areas : Criminal law and criminologyMajid Mirzaei Chendazab 1 , Mobin Rezaei 2
1 - 1 Department of Law, Faculty of Law, Islamic Azad University, Shahre-Qods Branch, Shahre-Qods, Iran
2 - 2 Department of Law, Faculty of Law, Islamic Azad University, Shahre-Qods Branch, Shahre-Qods, Iran
Keywords: recidivism, sentence aggravation, offender, crime, prisoners, criminology.,
Abstract :
Recidivism, as addressed in Iranian criminal law, can be examined through three core dimensions. The first-dimension concerns defining the phenomenon of reoffending and the complexity it poses to the criminal justice system. The second focuses on the underlying causes that lead individuals to commit crimes repeatedly. The third involves exploring practical strategies to prevent and reduce recidivism, which has become a major social challenge in contemporary Iranian society. The purpose of the present review study is to identify and analyze the factors contributing to repeated criminal behavior, particularly among prisoners who reoffend after completing their prison terms. Many released inmates face significant obstacles when attempting to rebuild a lawful and stable life: lack of savings or financial resources, absence of vocational skills, difficulty securing employment due to criminal records, social stigma, distrust from the community, and even the inability to provide guarantors for job opportunities. These barriers increase the likelihood that individuals will return to criminal behavior, ultimately resulting in a cycle of repeated incarceration. An offender who is released after serving a sentence must receive appropriate supervision, guidance, and support from governmental and civil institutions in order to reintegrate and avoid slipping back into crime. This article examines and evaluates recidivism in Iran by analyzing the contributing factors and its consequences. Through statistical data, case studies, and criminological perspectives, the study seeks to identify patterns of reoffending within social and behavioral contexts. Furthermore, it proposes preventive and corrective strategies aimed at reducing recidivism within the Iranian judicial system and ultimately offers recommendations for improving criminal policies and enhancing public security.