General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Starbucks arrests: Who gets to decide whether youre a patron or a trespasser? [View all]ExciteBike66
(2,357 posts)is that the crime is completely "defined" by the victim.
In the Starbucks case, the manager would technically be the "victim" in a trespassing incident, and it would be her choice whether or not to label someone a "trespasser" (Assuming that person doesn't leave when asked. If they leave when asked, then they are not a "trespasser" .
Of course, this leaves the door open to people using their own racist motives to decide who is and is not a "trespasser". In the corporate context (e.g. Starbucks), this behavior can be terrible for business.
Businesses really have to have a set, clear policy on who is allowed to do what in their stores, and they need to really be vigilant in ensuring their lower-level managers follow that policy consistently.