Tort Law III: Principles of Vicarious Liability

The principles of vicarious liability, which holds an employer responsible for the torts an employee commits due to their working relationship, even if the employer did not personally commit the wrongful act. The source clarifies that for vicarious liability to be established, the tortfeasor must be an employee, acting in the course of their employment, and the action must not be expressly prohibited. The document distinguishes between employees and non-employees, such as independent contractors and partners, noting that the modern judicial approach, exemplified in Various Claimants v Catholic Child Welfare Society, expands liability to relationships "akin to employment." Furthermore, the text explores the "close connection" test from the Lister Principle to determine employer liability, especially in cases of intentional wrongful acts, contrasting these with "frolic" cases where the employee acts outside the scope of employment. Finally, the text touches on the employer’s right to seek indemnity from the employee after paying damages and outlines the overall public policy purpose of vicarious liability, including ensuring victim compensation and encouraging employer safeguards.