Bonkowski v. Arlan’s Department Store
Michigan Court of Appeals
162 N.W.2d 347 (1968)
- Written by Michael Beverly, JD
Facts
Marion Bonkowski was in Arlan’s Department Store (Arlan’s) (defendant) with her husband and made several purchases. After making the purchases, a policeman working at Arlan’s, Earl Reinhardt (defendant), called out to her as she was walking to her car. Reinhardt asked Bonkowski to return to the store and she returned to the store. Reinhardt informed Bonkowski that someone told him that Bonkowski had placed three pieces of costume jewelry in her purse without paying for them. Bonkowski denied taking any jewelry. Reinhardt then asked to see the contents of Bonkowski’s purse. Bonkowski emptied the contents and produced receipts for the items she purchased. Reinhardt was satisfied that Bonkowski had not stolen any items from the store and allowed her to leave. Bonkowski sued Arlan’s and Reinhardt for false arrest and slander. The jury returned a verdict for Bonkowski. Arlan’s appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals of Michigan.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Fitzgerald, J.)
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