The De Minimis Turkey Leg Exception

Wal-Mart, who formerly prosecuted anyone who stole more than $3 worth of merchandise, is raising the threshold to $25: Link to CNNMoney story

"The paper said the change in policy will allow Wal-Mart to concentrate on theft by professional shoplifters and its own employees. The paper said those two groups steal the bulk of merchandise from the chain."

Makes economic sense, though it can't ever be good to have the de minimis amount publicized like this. Honestly, there's not much at your average Wal-Mart that would fit in your coat that's priced OVER $25; it's almost like giving compulsive shoplifters license to do whatever.