NCJ Number
85976
Date Published
1981
Length
34 pages
Annotation
The report summarizes shoplifting laws in each State, with statutes ranging from those providing detailed elements of the crime to the civil liability of the accused shoplifter.
Abstract
In all but a few States, the right of the merchant to approach and detain a suspected shoplifter is addressed. In a number of States, the owners of stolen merchandise are granted a civil right of action against the shoplifter. The greatest variation in the shoplifting laws appears in the area of punishments for those convicted of shoplifting. Many States classify shoplifting as a misdemeanor or felony according to the value of the property taken. Fines and maximum sentences also vary greatly from State to State. The report summarizes shoplifting laws for each State.