The Family Purpose Doctrine is a legal principle that holds the head of a household responsible for the negligent actions of family members using a vehicle owned or provided by the head of the household for family use. This doctrine applies in cases where the vehicle is being used for family purposes with the permission or consent of the head of the household, regardless of whether the head of the household was directly involved in the negligent act. It is based on the theory that the head of the household benefits from the use of the vehicle for family purposes and therefore should bear responsibility for any harm caused by its use.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
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