techniques of neutralization used by deer poachers in the western united states: a research note

The purpose of this study was to examine and describe the specific techniques of neutralization that were used by deer poachers. The study consisted of two parts. In the first section, a survey instrument containing statements dealing with specific neutralizations was developed by the authors and mailed to individuals who had been cited for illegal deer possession in Colorado from 1990to 1996 (n=42).In the second part of the study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20poachers and 5 game wardens to obtain information about neutralization techniques in greater detail. The use of neutralization techniques was common, and four techniques occurred most frequently: the denial of responsibility, the metaphor of the ledger, the defense of necessity,and the condemnation of the condemners.