The store owner asked my daughter a lot of questions. Did he have
the right to do that?
The
law is not really clear on this point. If the store owner had simply
stopped your daughter in an aisle and asked her if she had taken
anything, that might be appropriate. Your daughter has the right
not to answer any questions even at this point. However, if the
store owner had asked her to come to an office as she was suspected
of taking goods, he might then be under an obligation to tell her
what her rights are before he asks her any questions.
The
store owner has the right to ask questions; although, there might
be some issue as to the procedure to be followed depending on the
circumstances of the questioning. In all situations, your daughter
has the right not to answer any questions.
WARNING:
The contents of these FAQs are intended as general legal information
only.
If
you have a personal problem, please consult a lawyer.
April
2000
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