What does the doctrine of respondeat superior establish?

What does the doctrine of respondeat superior establish?

• A. An agent's actions are always authorized
• B. A principal is liable for their own actions only
• C. A principal is liable for agents' acts within employment scope
• D. An agent cannot be held responsible for their actions

Answer: (C)

The doctrine of respondeat superior is a legal principle that holds an employer or principal legally responsible for wrongful acts committed by an employee or agent during the course of their employment or while performing tasks within the scope of their authority. This means that if an agent acts within the boundaries of their job duties and causes harm or injury, the principal can be held liable for those actions. This ensures accountability for the employer and reinforces the importance of proper supervision and training of employees. The other options do not accurately represent the doctrine. An agent's actions being always authorized does not account for actions taken outside the scope of their duties. Limiting a principal's liability solely to their own actions ignores the significant principle that they can be responsible for their agents' conduct as well. Lastly, stating that an agent cannot be held responsible is misleading, as agents can indeed be held liable for their own negligent or wrongful actions if they act outside the limits of their authority. Thus, the focus of the doctrine is on the principal's liability for acts of agents within the employment scope, which is correctly embodied in the chosen answer.

The doctrine of respondeat superior is a legal principle that holds an employer or principal legally responsible for wrongful acts committed by an employee or agent during the course of their employment or while performing tasks within the scope of their authority. This means that if an agent acts within the boundaries of their job duties and causes harm or injury, the principal can be held liable for those actions. This ensures accountability for the employer and reinforces the importance of proper supervision and training of employees.

The other options do not accurately represent the doctrine. An agent's actions being always authorized does not account for actions taken outside the scope of their duties. Limiting a principal's liability solely to their own actions ignores the significant principle that they can be responsible for their agents' conduct as well. Lastly, stating that an agent cannot be held responsible is misleading, as agents can indeed be held liable for their own negligent or wrongful actions if they act outside the limits of their authority. Thus, the focus of the doctrine is on the principal's liability for acts of agents within the employment scope, which is correctly embodied in the chosen answer.