What conditions govern the timing of a merchant's privilege in detaining someone?

The correct answer focuses on the principle that a merchant's privilege to detain a suspected shoplifter or wrongdoer is governed by the necessity of the detention. Specifically, it emphasizes that the merchant can only hold a person for a "reasonable period" necessary to investigate the suspected wrongdoing. This means that any detention must be promptly concluded once the investigation is complete or if the suspicion proves unfounded.

The underlying rationale relates to balancing the merchant's interest in protecting their property from theft with the individual's rights against wrongful detention. If a merchant detains someone for an excessive duration that exceeds what is reasonable under the circumstances, they may be liable for false imprisonment.

In contrast to the other options, which suggest either excessive duration or conditions not bound by necessity, this principle recognizes the importance of proportionality and reasonableness in the period of detention. A merchant cannot detain someone indefinitely or simply based on their judgment without clear justification. Thus, the timing and duration must be limited to what is necessary to address the issue at hand.