Jargon buster

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Re-offending

Re-offending is when a person who has committed an offence (or offences) already, commits another offence.

Recall

Offenders released from prison into the community on licence can be recalled (brought back) to prison. For example, because they committed another crime, or otherwise breached the terms of their licence.  

Rehabilitation

This can be helping people to change their offending behaviour and live productive lives in society. This could be training in life skills within prison or in the community.

Remitted sentence

A sentence is remitted when a sheriff sends a case to the High Court so that a more severe sentence can be given than the maximum allowed at the sheriff court level.

Restriction of Liberty Order

A Restriction of Liberty Order (RLO) is a sentence which may be given as an alternative to short-term imprisonment while maintaining public safety. These orders can be imposed concurrently with a community payback order or as a separate order.

They are sometimes called ‘tagging orders’ due to the restriction of an offender’s movements to a certain place, such as their home, for a set amount of time. This can be for up to 12 hours a day and orders can last up to a year.

Originally published on 20 July 2015. Updated on 6 April 2026.