Could a Utah Supreme Court ruling endanger employees and customers in situations involving armed shoplifters?
A four to one decision from the Utah Supreme Court has sided with five former Walmart Employees suing for wrongful termination.
According to a report by Deseret News, the case follows the termination of five employees who were terminated after disarming armed shoplifters. According to Walmart, it is against company policy to approach an armed suspect. Policy states that the employee is to withdraw to a safe position and to contact law enforcement. This policy is in place for the safety of the employees and other Walmart shoppers.
However, Utah public policy mandates a right to self-defense. In the case of the Walmart employees, the court assents that if the employees had reasonable belief that force was necessary for defense against serious harm, the employees have the right to act in self-defense. Assuming that the employees were in immanent danger and unable to flee, the ruling is in line with Utah public policy.
After the ruling, Walmart has made clear its opinion that this decision jeopardizes the safety of both employees and customers in Utah.
