Legal Definitions - master–servant rule

The master-servant rule, also known as respondeat superior, is a legal doctrine that holds an employer or principal responsible for the wrongful acts committed by their employee or agent within the scope of their employment or agency.

For example, if a delivery driver causes an accident while making a delivery for their employer, the employer may be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by the driver's actions.

This rule is based on the idea that the employer or principal has control over the actions of their employees or agents and should therefore be responsible for any harm caused by those actions.