Collyer v. S. H. Kress & Co.

This case was transferred to this court after decision by the District Court of Appeal, for the purpose of giving further consideration to the important question of whether a private person may, in the protection of his property, detain another for investigation and whether, in an action for false imprisonment in such a case, probable cause at the time of such detention may be considered as a defense. The statement of facts is taken from the opinion of the District Court of Appeal:

“Defendants appeal from an adverse judgment in an action for damages growing out of accusations of shop-lifting.…