What is the legal term for when an employer can be held responsible for the actions of their employee?

The legal term that refers to an employer's responsibility for the actions of their employees is vicarious liability. This principle operates under the notion that an employer can be held liable for the negligent or wrongful acts committed by an employee while they are discharging their duties within the scope of employment. The rationale behind this concept is that the employer benefits from the activities of their employees and, therefore, should also bear the consequences of their actions under certain circumstances.

Vicarious liability is particularly significant in cases where an employee causes harm to a third party during the performance of their job. This legal framework aims to protect victims by ensuring they have recourse to compensation from an employer who has the financial means to cover damages, rather than solely relying on the employee, who may not have sufficient resources.

The other terms in the options represent distinct legal concepts. Joint liability pertains to situations where two or more parties are held liable together for an obligation or wrongdoing. Direct liability refers to a scenario where an individual or organization is held personally responsible for their own actions, rather than being indirectly liable for another's actions. Criminal liability involves being held legally accountable for a crime, which is a separate realm from the liability that arises from civil law.