Which doctrine states that an employer may be held responsible for the acts of an employee performed within the scope of employment?

Which doctrine states that an employer may be held responsible for the acts of an employee performed within the scope of employment?

• A. Slander
• B. Subpoena
• C. Respondeat Superior
• D. Statutory Law

Answer: (C)

Respondeat Superior is the doctrine that holds an employer legally responsible for the acts of an employee when those acts are performed within the scope of the employee’s duties. In practice, this means if someone is acting on behalf of their employer and carrying out job duties or doing something reasonably related to their work, the employer can be liable for damages caused by the employee’s negligent or wrongful actions, even if the employer themselves didn’t participate or directly interact with the wrongdoing. For example, if a delivery driver injures someone while delivering a package, the employer can be held responsible under this doctrine. The key element is that the act occurs during the course of employment and is connected to the work the employee was hired to do. If the employee veers into a personal “frolic” outside of work duties, the employer’s liability may not apply. The other terms listed don’t describe this legal principle. Slander is a form of defamation, not a doctrine about employer liability. A subpoena is a court order to compel testimony or evidence. Statutory law refers to statutes enacted by legislatures, not to the rule about employer responsibility for employees’ actions.

Respondeat Superior is the doctrine that holds an employer legally responsible for the acts of an employee when those acts are performed within the scope of the employee’s duties. In practice, this means if someone is acting on behalf of their employer and carrying out job duties or doing something reasonably related to their work, the employer can be liable for damages caused by the employee’s negligent or wrongful actions, even if the employer themselves didn’t participate or directly interact with the wrongdoing.

For example, if a delivery driver injures someone while delivering a package, the employer can be held responsible under this doctrine. The key element is that the act occurs during the course of employment and is connected to the work the employee was hired to do. If the employee veers into a personal “frolic” outside of work duties, the employer’s liability may not apply.

The other terms listed don’t describe this legal principle. Slander is a form of defamation, not a doctrine about employer liability. A subpoena is a court order to compel testimony or evidence. Statutory law refers to statutes enacted by legislatures, not to the rule about employer responsibility for employees’ actions.