[muir_redwoods]

The cart belongs to the store and is provided as a courtesy. She is not obligated to use the cart. So long as she is on the property and using Walmart equipment, she can be asked to demonstrate lawful possession

[Christian Engineer Mass]

"The cart belongs to the store and is provided as a courtesy. She is not obligated to use the cart."

The customer has been INVITED onto Walmart property and INVITED to put their posessions in the cart with no implied or express contract about additional rights that Walmart retains. That makes the area effectively public space, and the cart hired by the customer for the duration that they choose to use it. Walmart have NO right to detain ANYONE under these conditions. By pushing on the cart while it is being driven by the customer, the employee is assaulting the customer.

"she can be asked to demonstrate lawful possession"

They can. They can be asked. Anyone can ask anything. But they have absolutely no duty to comply. And they have every right to be offended at the asumption they are thieves. And if the employee touches them or impedes their progress at any time they have every right to forcefully push their way out of the store.

I understand posters' anger at this woman, who is clearly scum. But the issue is about the basic contracts under which we live our daily lives. The greeter had no right to arrest this woman's movement, as he attempted to do.

You give up such basic rights of contract at your peril.

Flame away if you must!