Conventional theories of crime have a tautological quality to them. Criminality is defined using the same terms as are used for causal factors. The term circular may be substituted for tautological.

Question

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This is true because conventional theories of crime often define criminality in terms of behaviors that are considered deviant or illegal, and then use those same behaviors as explanations for why individuals engage in criminal activity. This circular reasoning can make it difficult to identify true causal factors of crime.

Conventional Theories of Crime Have a Tautological Quality to Them