Ace the Ontario Barrister and Solicitor Exam 2025 – Unleash Your Legal Superpowers!

The primary purpose of vicarious liability in an employer-employee relationship is to ensure compensation for victims harmed by employees. This legal doctrine holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees when those actions occur in the course of their employment. The rationale behind this principle is that employers have greater financial resources than individual employees and are therefore better positioned to compensate victims for damages caused by the employees' work-related activities.

By imposing liability on the employer, the law also incentivizes employers to take adequate measures in hiring, training, and supervising their employees effectively. This not only protects victims but also promotes accountability within the workplace, encouraging a safe and compliant working environment. This approach is rooted in the belief that employers should bear some responsibility for the conduct of their employees because the employer has control over the work environment and the employees' actions during work hours.

In contrast, protecting employees from wrongful termination, monitoring behavior, and limiting financial responsibilities do not encapsulate the fundamental aim of vicarious liability, which centers on the welfare of those who may be harmed by the conduct of employees acting within the scope of their duties.