Define: Master–Servant Relationship

A master-servant relationship refers to a legal relationship where one person, known as the master, has the authority to control and direct the actions of another person, known as the servant or employee, in the course of their employment.

The key elements of a master-servant relationship include the master’s control over the servant’s actions, the servant’s obligation to follow the master’s instructions, the master’s ability to hire and fire the servant, and the servant’s provision of services in exchange for compensation.

The master has a legal duty to provide a safe working environment, pay the servant’s wages as agreed upon, provide necessary tools and equipment, and comply with applicable employment laws and regulations.

The servant has a legal duty to follow the master’s instructions, perform their job duties diligently and competently, act in the best interest of the master, and maintain confidentiality, if required.

Yes, under the legal principle of vicarious liability, a master can be held responsible for the wrongful actions or negligence of their servant if those actions were committed within the scope of employment and in furtherance of the master’s interests.

Yes, a servant can be held personally liable for their own wrongful actions or negligence, even if committed within the scope of employment. However, the master may also be held liable under the principle of vicarious liability.

In most cases, a master has the right to terminate a servant’s employment at any time, as long as it is done in accordance with applicable employment laws and any contractual agreements in place.

Yes, a servant may have grounds to sue their master for wrongful termination if the termination violates employment laws, breaches a contractual agreement, or is based on discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.

Yes, depending on the nature of the relationship and the level of control exerted by the master, a servant may be classified as an independent contractor rather than an employee. This distinction can have significant legal implications, such as tax obligations and entitlement to employment benefits.

In general, a master can be held liable for injuries suffered by a servant while on the job if the injuries were caused by the master’s negligence or failure to provide a safe working environment. However, workers’ compensation laws may limit the servant’s ability to sue the master in certain circumstances.