Logic and the law have very little to do with one another. And that's the last word I have to say on the subject; I'm not going to sit here and play what-if games with you.
Logic and the law have very little to do with one another. And that's the last word I have to say on the subject; I'm not going to sit here and play what-if games with you.
Oh I'm sorry, I thought this forum was just for discussion curiosity. Sorry, but thanks so much
Your comparison is outside the mainstream of law.
If it was a government entity, they can only temporarily confiscate items as you lay out, as they are constrained by the 4th AM. If the laptop was considered contraband for some reason (emphasis added) they may be able to temporarily hold it.
If they had no bonafide reason to confiscate it, it is tantamount to theft, yes, and a possible 4th AM violation. We have had threads here about students wanting to know when the school confiscates thier cell phone after a policy violation, is it legal and how long can they hold it. Your facts are in line with that.
IF, IF, you wish to infer such, consult an attorney for a case evaluation.
Also, mercantile establishments are not constrained by the 4th AM, so if they say no problem after you return it, that is thier business, it does cancel the fact the law was initially broken.