SALINA, Kansas (AP) --Police officers and the city of Salina have been dismissed from a lawsuit filed by a woman interrogated last year about photos printed at a Wal-Mart store that included partially nude images of her 3-year-old daughter. In the lawsuit, Tamie Dragone claims she was humiliated and her family's privacy was invaded when police called by store officials questioned her about the photos, which included a picture of her daughter playing topless in a swimming pool. Dragone was approached by police as she waited for the photos to be printed and was questioned for about 45 minutes. She was eventually allowed to leave, but without the pictures. Dragone is seeking damages of $262,473 for medical expenses and pain and suffering. Attorneys for both sides agreed to dismiss the city defendants at a hearing last Friday. Dragone's attorney, Tom Boone, said Tuesday that the suit contends negligence by Wal-Mart caused the incident. Salina Police Chief Jim Hill said in a statement the dismissal "reinforces our strong belief that her claims. were entirely without legal merit." Hill said officers had a statutory duty to look into the possibility that the photographs were evidence of child abuse. Wal-Mart lawyers have moved for dismissal of claims against the retailer, saying the photos could have led a reasonable person to conclude the child was being sexually abused.  Question for Discussion: Was Wal-Mart negligent in this matter or were they acting appropriately by turning the matter over to the police? 

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

The situation described presents a complex legal and ethical dilemma involving privacy rights potential child abuse and corporate responsibility Was W... View the full answer