The shopkeeper’s privilege is a legal concept that allows shopkeepers to detain individuals they reasonably suspect of shoplifting. The doctrine recognizes the unique position of store owners who need to decide whether to absorb a loss by turning a blind eye to a suspected shoplifter or apprehend the suspect and risk a lawsuit if the ...

Retail settings: Shopkeepers have certain rights when it comes to detaining individuals they suspect of theft. Specifically, under the shopkeeper’s privilege, a shopkeeper who suspects someone of theft can detain the individual in a reasonable manner for a reasonable amount of time to investigate.