Respondeat superior
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"Respondeat superior", Latin for "let the master answer", is a legal doctrine which states that an employer is responsible for employee actions performed within the course of the employment.
When applied to physical torts a employer - employee relationship must be established and the act must be committed wtihin the scope of employment (i.e. substantially within time and geographical limits, job description and at least with partial intent to further employer's business).
Historically, this doctrine was applied in master/servant or employer/employee relationships. If the employee or servant committed a civil wrong against a third party, the master or employer could be liable for the acts of their servant or employee when those acts were committed within the scope of the relationship. The third party could proceed against both the servant/employee and master/employer. The action against the servant/employee would be based upon the direct responsibility of the servant/employee for his conduct. The action against the master/employer is based upon the theory of vicarious liability, by which one party can be held liable for the acts of another.