The sole-actor doctrine in agency establishes that the principal remains accountable for being aware of any wrongdoing committed by their agent. Consequently, the principal cannot claim ignorance even if the agent intentionally engaged in misconduct.
The sole-actor doctrine in agency law establishes that a principal is accountable for the actions of their agent, even if the agent engages in fraudulent behaviour. In other words, if an agent acts fraudulently on behalf of their principal, the principal is still held liable for the agent’s actions. For instance, if John hires Jane to sell his car and Jane falsely claims to a potential buyer that the car has never been in an accident, the buyer can sue both Jane and John for fraud. It is important to note that John may not have been aware of Jane’s misrepresentation, yet he is still held responsible for her fraudulent actions under the sole-actor doctrine.
The sole-actor doctrine is a legal principle that holds an individual solely responsible for their actions, even if they were acting on behalf of an organisation or employer.
Under the sole-actor doctrine, if an employee causes harm to another person while performing their job duties, the employer may not be held liable if the employee was the sole actor responsible for the injury.
No, the sole-actor doctrine generally shields employers from liability if the employee was acting independently and not under the direction or control of the employer.
Yes, there are exceptions to the sole-actor doctrine. For example, if the employer was aware of the employee’s dangerous propensities or had prior knowledge of their misconduct, they may still be held liable.
Yes, the sole-actor doctrine can also apply to criminal acts committed by an employee. If the employee acted independently and outside the scope of their employment, the employer may not be held responsible.
Yes, the sole-actor doctrine can be used as a defence in a negligence lawsuit. It can help establish that the defendant was the sole cause of the plaintiff’s injuries and that no other party should be held liable.
No, the sole-actor doctrine primarily applies to personal injury claims and negligence cases. It may not be applicable in other areas of law, such as contract disputes or intellectual property infringement.
Yes, an individual acting as an agent of a corporation can still be held liable under the sole-actor doctrine if they were the sole cause of the harm and were not acting within the scope of their agency.
In some cases, a contractual agreement may override the sole-actor doctrine. If the parties have explicitly agreed to hold the employer liable for the actions of their employees, the doctrine may not apply.
The sole-actor doctrine may vary in its application and recognition across different jurisdictions. It is important to consult with a local attorney to understand how the doctrine is interpreted in your specific jurisdiction.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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