Earl Reinhardt (D), a private policeman on duty for Arlan's Department Store (D) stopped Mrs. Bonkowski (P) for suspicion of shoplifting. D detained her outside the store and made her pour out the contents of her purse into the hands of her husband who was standing there. P showed D that everything was in order by producing sales slips for the items that were claimed to be stolen. P was allowed to leave. P sued D for slander and false arrest. P claims in her action that she suffered psychosomatic symptoms including headaches, nervousness, and depression all resulting from D’s actions. The jury returned a verdict for P on the counts of false arrest and slander. D's motion for judgment n.o.v., remittitur and a new trial were denied by the court. D appealed.

This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.

Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.