Ontario Barrister and Solicitor Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Vicarious liability is a legal doctrine where one party is held liable for the negligent actions of another, typically within the context of an employer-employee relationship. The correct answer highlights that an employer may be held legally responsible for the negligent acts of their employees that occur in the course of their employment. This principle serves to ensure that victims have recourse for damages when employees cause harm while performing duties related to their job, fostering a sense of accountability in the workplace.

In this context, the other options reflect different responsibilities and relationships but do not define vicarious liability accurately. The first option discusses direct accountability, which does not encompass the concept of vicarious liability. The second option refers to the relationship between employers and independent contractors, which typically do not fall under vicarious liability unless specific conditions are met, such as inherent dangers in the work. The fourth option pertains to parental liability for a child's actions, which is a distinct legal principle and does not relate to the employer-employee dynamic that defines vicarious liability.