Martin is a security guard in a clothing store. He suspects Emma, a customer, of shoplifting. He locks Emma in a room and does not allow her to leave the store until he has searched through her belongings and interrogated all the witnesses. If Emma is entirely innocent of any wrongdoing, and assuming that the state in which this occurred does not recognize the shopkeepers' privilege, which of the following torts has Martin committed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Martin committed false imprisonment by intentionally and unlawfully confining Emma to a room against her will, without any legal justification or authority. This is a violation of Emma's freedom of movement and can lead to liability for damages. Trespass to personalty and conversion both involve interfering with another person's property rights, which is not the case here. Disparagement involves making false or derogatory statements about someone's reputation, which is also not relevant to this situation.

Martin Is a Security Guard in a Clothing Store