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> The guards turn up within minutes and apprehend the shoplifter. Stop right there. Here's how it could go: Guard: Wait right here, please. S: Am I under arr
by AlbertCory 4y ago
> The guards turn up within minutes and apprehend the shoplifter.
Stop right there. Here's how it could go:
Guard: Wait right here, please.
S: Am I under arrest?
Guard: Please wait. What is your name?
S: So I'm free to go?
Guard: Please wait. What is your name?
S: Buh-bye.
- gwillen 4y agoShopkeepers have the legal power to detain shoplifters in most US jurisdictions. They've just historically (in the modern era) been too afraid to use it.
- AlbertCory 4y agoI thought of that after writing that. A lot of legal questions come down to a game of chicken, unfortunately. Who is willing to bear the most risk? Maybe if it really was shoplifting, it goes more like this: Guard: Wait right here, please. S: Am I under arrest? Guard: You are being detained until the police arrive. What is your name? S: Oh, I'm detained? Funny, I don't notice any cuffs. So I think I'll leave now (drops goods & hops on bike). Guard: (ponders: If I tackle him, what happens?) Calls police. Now what?