Jane Mitchell, age 16, was shopping at her neighborhood Osco Drug Store. She had been looking at magazines as she waited for a friend. She decided to purchase a Tiger Beat magazine and then wait for her friend outside the store. She paid for the magazine, but as she headed for the door, the store manager used the store's loudspeaker system to announce, "You, with the green hair and the maroon Doc Marten's on. Yes, you, by the front of the store. I saw you take that magazine. Stop right there. I have a gun pointed at you." The manager's actions:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The store manager's announcement over the loudspeaker accusing Jane of theft constitutes defamation because it was a false statement that harmed Jane's reputation. Additionally, the manager's use of a gun pointed at her was excessive and could potentially result in liability for the store. The shopkeeper's privilege allows a store owner or employees to detain a suspected shoplifter for a reasonable amount of time and with reasonable force, but it does not give them the right to defame the suspect or use excessive force. Therefore, options A and C are incorrect. Option D is incorrect because there is a potential for liability in this situation.

Jane Mitchell, Age 16, Was Shopping at Her Neighborhood Osco