The Relationship between Lenght of Incarceration and Recidivism

There is considerable debate in the literature regarding the link between sentence length and recidivism.  Consistent with a specific deterrence perspective, some research findings support the perspective that longer sentences will deter future re-offending.  In contrast, others have found either no link or criminogenic effects, whereby longer sentences result in more re-offending.

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Last Updated April 17, 2026, 20:08 (UTC)
Created April 17, 2026, 20:08 (UTC)
contact_email opengovernmentgen-nhq@csc-scc.gc.ca
criticality_level ["general_public"]
geographic_scope ["0"]
open_canada_collection publication
open_canada_date_published 2017-06-01 00:00:00
open_canada_keywords {"fr": ["Durée de l'incarcération", "les comportements criminels", "la récidive"], "en": ["Length of Incarceration", "Criminal behaviour", "Recidivism"]}
open_canada_subject ["law"]
sensitivity_level unrestricted
title_fr Lien entre la durée de l'incarcération et la récidive
update_frequency as_needed