Part of the common law series |
Tort law |
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(Outline) |
Trespass to the person |
Property torts |
Dignitary torts |
Negligent torts |
Principles of negligence |
Strict and absolute liability |
Nuisance |
Economic torts |
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Defences |
Liability |
Remedies |
Other topics in tort law |
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By jurisdiction |
Other common law areas |
Respondeat superior (Latin: "let the master answer"; plural: respondeant superiores) is a doctrine that a party is responsible for (and has vicarious liability for) acts of his agents.[1]: 794 For example, in the United States, there are circumstances when an employer is liable for acts of employees performed within the course of their employment.[2] This rule is also called the master-servant rule, recognized in both common law and civil law jurisdictions.[3]
In a broader scope, respondeat superior is based upon the concept of vicarious liability.