Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

What is the term for the liability a supervisor holds for the actions of their subordinate?

1. Negligent supervision

2. Vicarious liability

3. Joint liability

4. Independent liability

The correct answer is: Vicarious liability

The term that describes the liability a supervisor holds for the actions of their subordinate is vicarious liability. This legal doctrine establishes that an employer or principal can be held responsible for the negligent actions of an employee or agent that occur in the course of their employment or within the scope of their duties. Vicarious liability is rooted in the concept that employers can control their employees and are thus responsible for their actions, promoting accountability in the workplace. This principle is particularly important in fields such as law enforcement, healthcare, and private investigation, where the actions of subordinates directly reflect upon the supervisor and the organization as a whole. Other terms listed, such as negligent supervision, typically pertain to a supervisor's failure to properly oversee their employees, which can lead to liability but doesn't encompass the broader scope of actions taken by subordinates themselves. Joint liability refers to a scenario where two or more parties are held responsible for the same obligation and is not specific to the relationship between a supervisor and their subordinate. Independent liability suggests that each party is liable on their own, which also does not apply in this context where the supervisor is held accountable for the actions of their employee.