answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

It is a Latin term which means "Let the master speak." In legal proceedings it is the idea that employees are simply agents of the employer, and the employer is accountable for the acts of his employees. Therefore, he must explain, justify, or defend the acts, rather than the employee. Unless it is demonstrated that the employee was deliberately disregarding the directions of the employer, the employer, not the employee, will be held to account for any harm that comes as a result of the acts of the employee. In a dental setting, if a dental assistant were to injure a patient during a procedure, and the assistant and dentist were hauled into court in a lawsuit, the assistant's attorney (yes, the employee should always have their own counsel) would claim "respondeat superior". The assistant was only acting on the direction of the dentist, and therefore it is the dentist that is responsible for the injury.

While it may sound like the assistant has just thrown her boss under the bus, in legal terms, she is stating that she was not acting in an irresponsible way, and she was not free to ignore the direction of the dentist. The dentist, with his greater training and knowledge, is in a much better position to describe what happened and explain why it was not malpractice.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the definition of doctrine of respondeat superior?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Let the master answer describes the legal doctrine?

Respondeat superior


The doctrine of respondeat superior does not apply between the physician and the?

pharmacist


Is a respondeat superior malpractice based on negligence caused by an accident?

is a respondeat superior


Can an employee be sued if the employer is liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior?

Actually, the employee must be sued in order for the respondeat superior doctrine to apply. Respondeat superior doctrine only imposes liability on the principal for tortuous acts committed by the agent; the agent must therefore be found guilty of having committed the tort before any liability can be assigned to the principal. S.C., Paralegal Sciences Major, Kaplan University.


Why is the legal term respondeat superior important to contract security industry?

Respondeat superior holds employers liable for the actions of their employees performed within the scope of their employment. In the contract security industry, where security guards are often employees of a security company, this legal doctrine is crucial as it means that the security company can be held accountable for any wrongful actions or negligence by its guards while on duty. This helps ensure that security companies maintain high standards of training and supervision for their employees to minimize legal risks.


What factors are considered in determining whether a particular act is subject to Respondeat Superior?

What factors are considered in determining whether a particular act is subject to Respondeat Superior?


What is another term for vicarious liability?

Respondeat Superior.


What is the Latin form for Let the master answer?

respondeat superior


Is direct liability the same as respondeat superior liability?

Direct liability is holding the actor responsible for his or her own actions. Respondeat superior liability is holding an employer responsible for an employee's actions.


What is 'Respondeat superior' when translated from Latin to English?

"Let (the) superior respond" is an English equivalent of the Latin phrase Respondeat superior. The phrase most famously references the liability of an employer for wrongful actions within the scope of an employee's job position. The pronunciation will be "res-PON-dey-at SOO-pey-ree-or" in Church and classical Latin.


What is difference between res ipsa loquitur and respondeat?

res ipsa loquitur - the thing (matter ) explains itself. It is self evident. respondeat [superior]: let [the master] answer - the employer is liable for the actions of an employee


What is respondent superior?

Respondeat Superior rule states that Principle (Employer) is liable for all the unauthorized acts of the agent (employee) performed within the course of his employment.