A rapist obeying the traffic laws, and a shoplifter resisting the idea of committing armed robbery are examples illustrating that many offenders only selectively violate the law. This notion supports what theory?

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Neutralization theory suggests that offenders justify their criminal actions through a process of rationalization, allowing them to selectively violate the law while adhering to other norms and laws they do not rationalize away. This theory explains how individuals can commit certain crimes while still conforming to other societal norms, such as obeying traffic laws or resisting more severe criminal behaviors.

A Rapist Obeying the Traffic Laws, and a Shoplifter Resisting