Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Illinois

Minor being detained

I live in Illinois. I was in a department store. I sent my minor son to get a shopping cart. He had to go outside to get it. Something in his clothing set off the security detection device. The store manager told him to follow him. The manager took him to a back room and had him empty his pockets. My son complied. My son informed him that his dad was in the store and that he would like him there. The manager refused and then proceeded to have my son remove his shoes. I was worried because I did not know where he was. My son found me after they let him go and then told me. My son was upset. When we left the store my son still set off the detectors. Some sort of tag in his hollister clothes. The store does not sell hollister clothes. Was this legal for them to detain a minor and search him even after he asked for his dad?


Asked on 5/12/07, 8:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Zedrick Braden III Ainsworth & Associates PC

Re: Minor being detained

Hello. It was quite inappropriate for

your son to be searched. Also, the

store should have contacted you immediately while you were in the store. The security guard should not have questioned, nor searched your son. I believe you have a lawsuit, if your son suffered emotionally and this can be documented by testimony of a doctor. Will be happy to discuss this matter further and in more detail.

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Answered on 5/14/07, 2:51 am


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