What doctrine holds that principals are liable for the negligent conduct of their agents acting within the scope of their employment?

The doctrine that holds principals liable for the negligent conduct of their agents acting within the scope of their employment is known as respondeat superior. This Latin term translates to "let the master answer," indicating that an employer is responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the context of their job responsibilities.

Respondeat superior is a key principle in agency law, as it recognizes that an employer-employee relationship can implicate the employer in the liabilities that arise from the employee's conduct. This doctrine encourages accountability and ensures that victims of negligent actions can seek recovery from the party with deeper pockets—the employer—who is typically in a better position to compensate for damages. This fosters a sense of responsibility among employers to implement proper training and supervision for their employees.

While vicarious liability is related and often discussed in conjunction with respondeat superior, it is a broader concept that can encompass situations beyond employer-employee relationships. Common law duty and negligent supervision refer to different types of legal responsibilities and are not specifically tied to the liability of an employer for an employee's actions.