Redemption or Revolving Door? A Case Study of Incarceration’s Impact on Recidivism among Ex -Convicts of Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores the impact of incarceration on recidivism by taking up ex-convicts of Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, Pakistan as a case study. Moreover, it analyses the effects prison itself and society has on these individuals. The study under discussion is of great significance as it is one of the overlooked issues in the criminal justice system in the country, as well provides the socioeconomic subjective outlook on the issue. In this lieu, it helps gain a detailed understanding of the working of the prison system, causes behind recidivism, and how incarceration plays its role. It presents an analysis of the narratives, perspectives, and experiences of ex-convicts of Adiala jail as well as the legal community, particularly pertaining to criminal justice, to provide a first-hand view of the situation. The study concludes that the lack of implementation of the existing laws and manuals in addition to the staggering persistence of the socioeconomic issues are the root causes of crime and recidivism rates.