What principle states that "let the master answer," making an employer responsible for their employees' actions?

Prepare for the Medical Assistant Law and Ethics Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Ensure success on your test!

The principle that states "let the master answer" is known as respondeat superior. This legal doctrine holds employers accountable for the actions of their employees when those actions occur within the course of their employment. Essentially, if an employee causes harm to a third party while carrying out their job duties, the employer can be held liable for those actions.

This principle is founded on the idea that employers, as the "masters" of their employees, have a responsibility to ensure that their staff are properly trained and supervised. Thus, when an employee acts negligently or unlawfully while performing their job, it is seen as the employer’s responsibility to rectify the situation, including addressing any legal repercussions.

The other terms listed pertain to different concepts within law and ethics. Vicarious liability relates to an employer's legal responsibility derived from respondeat superior but does not directly encapsulate the phrase "let the master answer." Delictual liability involves a situation where a party is held responsible for tortious acts, but it does not specifically address the employer-employee relationship. Caveat emptor, meaning "let the buyer beware," applies to the buyer's responsibility in a transaction, which is unrelated to employer accountability for employee actions. Thus, the phrase and its meaning are

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