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The problem which he is pointing out is the misapplication of social science to law. It is entirely relevant for social scientists to analyze both large groups and individuals to look for 'factors' which help us understand the way in which society and individuals develop and function. It is even not too unreasonable for social discourse, journalism included, to discuss the social context of crime and criminals with regard to specific cases. It is problematic when this scholarship is imported into the legal realm, when statistical association is used to obviate personal responsibility.