Yeah, that was my thought. Rather than give the kid a criminal record, he did the “walk of shame” and was let go.
Mom is going to look pretty foolish if it comes out Target had solid evidence the kid was stealing, let him off, tried to teach him not to steal, but also didn’t jeopardize the possibility of future employment.
So, if this lawsuit succeeds, even though the kid was stealing, Target will probably change their policy and every kid caught stealing will now have a criminal record.
“Mom is going to look pretty foolish if it comes out Target had solid evidence the kid was stealing, let him off, tried to teach him not to steal, but also didn’t jeopardize the possibility of future employment.”
True, but I don’t think it would have much affect on the (high) odds of her taking Target to the cleaners.