A DISTINCTION IS MADE BETWEEN SHOPLIFTING AND STEALING. MANY PEOPLE TAKE UNBOUGHT MERCHANDISE WITH NO INTENTION TO DEFRAUD, YET SUFFER UNJUSTLY FOR IT BECAUSE THEY THEMSELVES OR THE COURTS CONSIDER THEM THIEVES. GREED IS DEFINED AS THE ONLY CRIMINAL MOTIVE FOR SHOPLIFTING, BUT OTHER CAUSES MAY INCLUDE DIRE NEED, PSYCHIATRIC AND ORGANIC DISORDERS, DISTRACTIONS, AND ADDICTIONS. WHEN PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS APPEAR, THEY MAY BE RELATED TO DRUGS, SEXUAL DEVIANCY, PSYCHOTIC DELUSIONS, OR APPEALS FOR ATTENTION. ORGANIC PROBLEMS, SUCH AS HEAD INJURIES, EPILEPSY, OR EVEN PAINFUL DISEASES, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO OR CAUSE DISTRACTIONS; AND ADDICTIONS OFTEN IMPEL AN ADDICT TO STEAL TO FEED HIS HABIT. IN MANY OF THESE CASES, SHOPLIFTING IS BEST PREVENTED BY PROPER DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT, BUT IF A SICK OR DISTRACTED PERSON IS ARRESTED AS A CRIMINAL, JUSTICE IS BEST SERVED WHEN THE COURTS CONSULT PSYCHIATRISTS. THESE DOCTORS ARE ADVISED TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH SIMILAR CASES BEFORE THEY TESTIFY, AS ARE SHOPPERS TO TAKE MEASURES NECESSARY TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM UNJUST ACCUSATIONS. REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED.