____ is a legal doctrine that holds an employer liable for the torts of its employees, provided the torts are committed within the scope of the workers employment.

• A. Pals' Act
• B. Respondeat superior
• C. Vicarious liability
• D. Caparo test

Answer: (B)

Respondeat superior is the principle by which an employer can be held liable for harms caused by its employees when those harms arise within the course and scope of the employee’s work. The idea is that the employer controls the work environment, assigns duties, and bears the responsibility for the risks created by those duties. If an employee commits a tort while performing job tasks or acts that are closely connected to work, the employer’s liability attaches even if the employer did not directly cause the harm. The key is that the conduct is within the scope of employment; if the employee acts purely for personal reasons or far outside the job (a frolic), the employer may not be liable under this doctrine. This concept sits within the broader idea of vicarious liability, but respondeat superior is the specific doctrine name for this employer-employee liability link. The Caparo test deals with establishing duty of care in negligence generally, not with employer liability for employee torts, and Pals' Act is not the doctrine governing this relationship.