Respondeat Superior - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition respondeat-superior

Definition :

Respondeat superior, means 'let the superior give answer'. A doctrine in tort law that makes a master liable for the wrong of a servant; specific; the doctrine making an employer or principal liable for the wrong of an employee or agent if it was committed within the scope of employment or agency, Perdue v. Mitchell, 373 So 2d 650 (1979).

Respondeat superior. 4 Inst. 114.--(Let the principal be held responsible.) The person directing an unlawful act to be done by his servant or agent is answerable as if he had done the act with his own hand, See Knott v. London County Council, (1934) 1 KB 126; VICARIOUS RESPONSIBILITY.