June 2002 LSAT Section 4 Question 1

Criminals often have an unusual self–image. Embezzlers often think of their actions as "only borrowing money." Many p...

AnnaC on January 1, 2020

Please Explain

How can we deduce that C is the correct answer? Where can the reader inference that if a criminal perceives their actions in a distorted way that that action does not constitute as being truly criminal?

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SamA on January 2, 2020

Hello @AnnaC,

For "logically complete the passage" questions, we have to capture the spirit of the argument, even if it is not explicitly stated. Let's go through the answer choices and decide if each answer is or is not supported by the stimulus. Remember that the passage is discussing the criminals' "self-image." In the two examples provided, the criminals make excuses for their actions. Think about what they are trying to say.

A. Does either the embezzler or the violent criminal mention a reward? No, this is beyond the scope of the argument.

B. Did either of the criminals blame someone else's crime? No. This doesn't relate to their self-image

C. Both criminals address their own actions. The embezzlers say "I was only borrowing money." The violent criminals say "the victim deserved it" or "it wasn't my fault." They are trying to say that their actions weren't really wrong. This matches answer choice C, making it the correct answer.

D. Neither criminal mentions the justice system. That would be an external criticism. The justice system has nothing to do with a criminal's self-image.

E. There is no mention of sentencing.

AnnaC on January 5, 2020

That makes sense! Thank you for your help.