What is the legal definition of a recidivist?

The legal definition of a recidivist refers specifically to an individual who has a repeated tendency to commit crimes, particularly after having been convicted of prior offenses. This concept emphasizes the pattern of behavior where a person continues to engage in criminal activity despite previous legal consequences or interventions intended to deter such behavior.

The term "habitual offender" directly aligns with this definition, as it indicates that the individual has committed offenses on multiple occasions, reflecting a habitual pattern rather than a one-time occurrence. In legal contexts, these individuals often face harsher penalties due to their history of criminal behavior, as their repeated offenses suggest a disregard for the law and its repercussions.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of a recidivist. "New offender" implies a person committing their first crime; "victim of crime" refers to someone who has suffered from a criminal act; and "rehabilitated individual" indicates someone who has addressed and overcome their criminal behavior. None of these terms encapsulates the repeated nature of criminal activity that characterizes recidivism.