Ace the 2025 MPTC Constitutional Law Challenge – Unleash Your Inner Legal Eagle!

A merchant has the legal right to detain a suspected shoplifter under certain conditions, which primarily focus on the manner and duration of the detention. The legal doctrine that supports this is often referred to as "shopkeeper's privilege." This privilege allows a merchant to temporarily detain an individual for a reasonable period and in a reasonable manner to investigate if theft has occurred.

The rationale behind this legal principle is to allow merchants to protect their property from theft while also safeguarding the rights of individuals against wrongful detention. The key factors are that the detention must be conducted in a reasonable manner, which means respecting the dignity of the suspected shoplifter and avoiding excessive force, and that it must not last longer than necessary to confirm whether theft has taken place.

If a merchant detains a person indefinitely or uses unreasonable force, they risk legal repercussions, such as claims of false imprisonment. Consequently, the choice that refers to the reasonable manner and length of time is the correct answer, as it encapsulates the necessary legal standards guiding a merchant's authority in situations involving suspected shoplifting.