Determining whether criminal justice programs effectively reduce crime rates and recidivism through scientific methods is known as what?

The term "evidence-based justice" refers to the systematic use of scientific methods and research to evaluate the effectiveness of criminal justice programs in reducing crime and recidivism. This approach emphasizes gathering empirical evidence through rigorous methodologies, including experimentation, observational studies, and data analysis, to assess what works in criminal justice practice. By relying on data and scientific inquiry, evidence-based justice aims to inform policy decisions, improve program design, and allocate resources more effectively.

In contrast, other options such as qualitative assessment focus mainly on subjective analysis and narratives rather than empirical measures. Performance evaluation typically looks at the efficiency and outputs of a program without necessarily linking to outcomes like crime reduction. Lastly, criminal profiling involves analyzing behavioral patterns to identify potential offenders, which is unrelated to the evaluation of program effectiveness in a structured and scientific manner. Therefore, evidence-based justice remains distinct in its commitment to quantifiable outcomes in crime prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.