Bonkowski v. Arlan's Department Store case brief summary

Bonkowski v. Arlan's Department Store case brief summary

F: ruled in favor of P, and D appealed.
P complains that as a result of D’s tortuous acts she has suffered psychosomatic symptoms. The D’s motions for Judgment notwithstanding the verdict, remittitur, and new trial were denied by the TC.
P: buyer D: store (cause of action: false arrest and slander)
After P made several purchases at D’s store. Private police working in D’s store, checked her sales slips to make sure that she didn’t take them unlawfully. Finding that she had not committed larceny, police returned.
I: whether it is store’s privilege to detain for investigation a customer whom they suspect to have taken unlawfully
R: It is store’s privilege to detain for investigation a customer whom they suspect to have taken unlawfully as long as the means are reasonable.
C: Reversed and remanded