Circuit City again... Is detaining someone for violating a contract a legal act?

[The Vinyl Ripper]

The Circuit City argument again.

Several people have made the point that one enters into a contract when purchasing goods from a store.

Breaking a contract is normally a matter for civil court.

Is it legal to physically detain someone for breaking a contract?

[Kagemusha]

1. That's a justification, not a legal argument.

A legal argument would rely on something entirely different. Because no, it's not legal to detain someone for a tort.

Theft? Now theft - what the law itself considers to be theft - is treated differently.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

2. If they purchased the goods then there's no reason to check the receipt.

It's a dumb argument.

[H2O Man]

3. Interesting point.

In NY, for example, if I hire a contractor to do a job on my home, and he does not fulfill his end of the bargain, I do not have the right to hold on to his tools. I think it is safe to say I could not hold on to the contractor, either.

In the case being discussed today, it would have been more interesting had the fellow kept his focus on the conflict with the store employee, at least in my opinion. But I can appreciate that others view it differently.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. Entering a store is NOT a contract

now if you SIGNED a contract, (see COSTCO) then you are bound by the terms of that contract

But going to get groceries at the local Ralphs or entering Circuit City does not, in any way, consitute a contract

People are just looking to justify their surrender every time they show a receipt

By the way the store has a right to ask, and you have a right to say no...

If they forcibly detain you, they just crossed a serious line...

[The Vinyl Ripper]

5. I agree with you

However I'm addressing those who maintain that shopping in a store constitutes a legal contract with the store.

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. I realize that and I am adressing the same crowd

I'm still shocked by what I am readying from many DU'ers tonight.

Especially those accusing others of doign this for "cheap Thrills"

[pnwmom]

12. It appears that there are more authoritarians here than we'd have hoped. n/t

[lonestarnot]

7. Ok this is not legal advise and I'm not a wizard, but

I don't know what a contract has to do with store policy. Just don't go in the fucking store any more. Holding a person against their will is kidnap. Boohissboo!

[The Vinyl Ripper]

8. I agree that holding someone against their will is kidnapping

But as far as not shopping there again, I'll shop wherever I please..

[lonestarnot]

9. I don't give a crap where you shop.

Either. hmmmmf

[The Vinyl Ripper]

10. That none of the pro corporate types..

Will even post on this thread to argue shows the weakness of their position.

[nadinbrzezinski]

11. Yep

:thumbsup: