Which legal term refers to the principle that an employer is responsible for the actions of employees performed within the course of their employment?

The principle that holds an employer liable for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the scope of their employment is referred to as "Respondent Superior." This legal doctrine is based on the Latin phrase meaning "let the master answer," indicating that the employer is responsible for the employee's acts as they relate to their job duties.

In essence, if an employee causes harm or damage while performing tasks for their employer, the employer can be held accountable under this doctrine because the employee was acting in the interest of the employer at that time. This legal concept is crucial in the context of employment law, as it emphasizes the responsibility of employers to ensure that their employees are properly trained and operate within the bounds of the law while executing their job functions.

While "Vicarious Liability" also describes a similar concept, it is broader and can apply to situations beyond the employment relationship. The other terms, "Employee Responsibility" and "Agent Authority," do not adequately capture the employer's liability for employee actions in the same way that "Respondent Superior" does.