Which of the following is generally true regarding a storekeeper who detains a suspected shoplifter?
A) There is no special rule for shopkeepers. Shopkeepers commit the tort of false imprisonment if they detain anyone even if that person is suspected of shoplifting. Instead, the police should be called.
B) When a retailer has reason to believe that a person is guilty of shoplifting, the store may question the person about said shoplifting in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable length of time.
C) Whenever a retailer has reason to believe that a person is guilty of shoplifting, the store may detain the person for any length of time but may not ask any questions prior to the arrival of the police.
D) The shopkeeper may detain the shoplifter only for a reasonable length of time but may not ask any questions prior to the arrival of the police.
E) The shopkeeper may detain a shoplifter but for no longer than 20 minutes because by law it is assumed that it should take no longer than that amount of time for law enforcement officers to arrive.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is B because it reflects the principle of the "shopkeeper's privilege," which allows a retailer to detain a suspected shoplifter for investigation for a reasonable period under reasonable conditions. This is a legal doctrine that balances the rights of the store against the rights of the individual.

Which of the Following Is Generally True Regarding a Storekeeper