What is the 'merchant's privilege rule'?
Answer: (Penal Code 490.5) gives legal authority for a merchant or his/her employee or agent, including a guard, to detain persons suspected of shoplifting in a retail store. This is not an arrest, but is merely a detention to investigate further the reasonable non deadly force can be used. If theft did occur or was attempted and criminal charges are to be pursued suspect must be given over to law enforcement authorities in reasonable time