LSAT Explanation PT 37, S4, Q1: Criminals often have an unusual self-image.

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most logically completes the passage? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. The passage discusses the self-image of criminals, mentioning that embezzlers often think of their actions as "only borrowing money," and people convicted of violent crimes rationalize their actions through denial. This denial can take the form of either believing the victim "deserved it" and the action was justified, or thinking "it simply wasn't my fault." The passage implies that criminals often have a distorted view of their actions, and the question asks us to logically complete the passage.

The question type is Most Strongly Supported (MSS), which means we need to find the answer choice that is most logically supported by the information provided in the passage.

Now, let's go through each answer choice:

a) they ought to be rewarded for their actions

- This answer choice goes too far. The passage discusses criminals rationalizing their actions, but it doesn't imply that they think they should be rewarded for them. This choice isn't strongly supported by the passage.

b) they are perceived to be the victim of some other criminal

- While criminals might feel like victims in some sense, the passage doesn't specifically mention them perceiving themselves as victims of other criminals. This choice isn't strongly supported by the passage.

c) their actions are not truly criminal

- This answer choice aligns with the examples provided in the passage. Embezzlers think they're "only borrowing money," and people convicted of violent crimes rationalize their actions through denial. In both cases, they don't see their actions as truly criminal. This choice is strongly supported by the passage.

d) the criminal justice system is inherently unfair

- The passage doesn't discuss the criminal justice system or its fairness. This choice isn't strongly supported by the passage.

e) they deserve only a light sentence for their crimes

- This answer choice assumes that criminals perceive their actions as crimes, which contradicts the passage's examples of embezzlers and violent criminals rationalizing their actions. If they don't think they've committed a crime, they wouldn't think they deserve any sentence, light or otherwise. This choice isn't strongly supported by the passage.

Based on our analysis, answer choice C (their actions are not truly criminal) is the most logically supported by the passage and is the correct answer.