What is meant by "vicarious liability"?

Vicarious liability is a legal doctrine that holds an employer or principal legally responsible for the negligent actions of an employee or agent, when those actions occur in the course of their employment or within the scope of their duties. This concept is based on the idea that employers have a responsibility to oversee their employees' activities and ensure that they comply with safety and legal standards.

In this context, the correct answer reflects the core principle of vicarious liability, emphasizing the employer's accountability for the conduct of their employees. This liability exists even if the employer did not commit any wrongdoing themselves. For instance, if an employee causes an accident while performing their job duties, the employer may be held responsible for the damages resulting from the employee's negligence.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of vicarious liability. While employees being liable for their own actions is a distinct principle, it does not encompass the concept of vicarious liability. Similarly, the statement about a principal being responsible for all agent decisions does not specifically relate to liability due to negligence within the scope of employment. Finally, while independent contractors can sometimes create liability under certain circumstances, vicarious liability primarily pertains to the relationship between employers and employees, rather than a broad application to independent