Legal Definitions - employer–employee relationship

An employer-employee relationship is a legal association between a person who hires another person to perform services and the person who is hired. The employer has the right to control the physical conduct of the employee during the course of their work. This relationship was previously known as "master-servant" in common law, but the term "employer-employee" is now more commonly used.

For example, when a company hires an individual to work for them, an employer-employee relationship is established. The employer has the right to control the employee's work and can give them instructions on how to perform their duties. The employee, in turn, is obligated to follow the employer's instructions and perform their duties to the best of their ability.

Other examples of legal relationships include:

• Attorney-Client Relationship: A formal legal representation of a person by a lawyer. The lawyer has a duty to act in the best interest of their client.
• Doctor-Patient Relationship: The association between a medical provider and one who is being diagnosed or treated. The doctor has a duty to ensure that the patient gives informed consent for treatment.
• Parent-Child Relationship: The association between an adult and a minor in the adult's care, especially an offspring or an adoptee. The adult has a high duty of care, including the duties to support, rescue, supervise and control, and educate.
• Professional Relationship: An association that involves one person's reliance on the other person's specialized training. Examples include one's relationship with a lawyer, doctor, insurer, banker, and the like.

These relationships have legal implications and impose certain duties and responsibilities on the parties involved.