[television is just wrong]

This has bothered me for a long time.

[FreePaul]

Walmart employees recently chased down and killed a man in their parking lot claiming that he had stolen something from the store. Sooner or later we'll find out if there are any repercussions. Maybe criminal charges, certainly civil action.

[Beagle8U]

I'm not an Attorney, however I think ownership starts after you leave the store, for anything you didn't bring with you upon entering.

That is the reason shoplifters are stopped "after" they walk out the door.

[metesky]

If I had nothing but legal purchases, I would make them call a cop or let me go. I would never submit to a search by an employee of the company.

They will then either let you go or call the cops.

If they call the cops and you're clean, lawsuit city.

[ArmyTeach]

Sam's politely and with a smile verifies your sales receipt as you exit their store ...

[Hardastarboard]

While I agree whole-heartedly with the "property rights / private property" view that most of us have taken during this discussion, let's not forget that no one has absolute rights on their own property. They can't establish their own laws, levy taxes, institute the death penalty (although I'll look the other way if any protesters get caught up in their private legal system), demand to search your car, make rape legal, etc. There are reasonable limits.

But if I'm in their store building, then I believe I'm fair game for them to search my purchases. Searching me personally is where that stops, though. I mean hey, if they get to make up their own rules, so do I.

[endthematrix]

RFID will make that a thing of the past...

[bat1816]

The search at store exits is legal because it is completely voluntary. If you want to be searched, you may allow it. If you do not want to submit to a search, there is nothing the store can do to stop you.

The only way the store can detain or search you is if they have reasonable suspicion of theft. It's a lesser degree of probable cause allowed to stores because of "shopkeeper's privilege."

Bottom line, next time the store asks you to submit to a search, ask the loss prevention clerk to articulate what reasonable suspicion he or she has to justify a search. If they have none, you are free to go. The only recourse the store has is to ban you from the store in the future.