Maryland § 5-402
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 5-402, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-402.
(a) A merchant or an agent or employee of the merchant who detains or causes the arrest of any person shall not be held civilly liable for detention, slander, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, or false arrest of the person detained or arrested, whether the detention or arrest takes place by the merchant or by his agent or employee, if in detaining or in causing the arrest of the person, the merchant or the agent or employee of the merchant had, at the time of the detention or arrest, probable cause to believe that the person committed the crime of “theft,” as prohibited by § 7-104 of the Criminal Law Article, of property of the merchant from the premises of the merchant.
(b) An owner or lessee of a motion picture theater or an agent or employee of the owner or lessee who detains or causes the arrest of any person may not be held civilly liable for detention, defamation, malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, or false arrest of the person detained or arrested, if in detaining or causing the arrest of the person, the owner, lessee, agent, or employee had, at the time of the detention or arrest, probable cause to believe that the person committed in the motion picture theater a violation of § 7-308(e) of the Criminal Law Article.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 5-402
What does Maryland Code § 5-402 cover?
Section 5-402 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 5-402?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 5-402" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 5-402 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.