Under agency law, when is a principal liable for torts committed by an agent?

• A. Within the scope of the agency
• B. Always
• C. Never
• D. Only for intentional torts

Answer: (A)

The main idea is vicarious liability: a principal is responsible for torts committed by an agent when the agent is acting within the scope of the employment. If the wrongful act occurs while the agent is performing duties or otherwise engaged in the employer’s business, the principal can be held liable for damages even if the principal didn’t personally participate. This covers negligent torts as well as many intentional torts if they’re in furtherance of the employer’s interests or authorized, ratified, or part of the job. If the agent veers far outside the employer’s business or undertakes a purely personal detour (a frolic), the principal typically isn’t liable. The other options miss this core idea because liability is not automatic in all cases, and it isn’t limited only to intentional torts.