Final answer:
Respondeat superior is a legal doctrine that holds employers liable for the actions of their employees. It ensures accountability and provides recourse for individuals who have been wronged or injured by someone acting on behalf of another.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legal doctrine of respondeat superior holds an employer or the principal legally responsible for the actions of their employees or agents, when those actions are performed within the scope of their employment or agency. This means that if a doctor, for example, diagnosed someone with a contagious disease that could harm the public, the doctor's employer could be held liable for any resulting harm or damages. The principle behind respondeat superior is to ensure accountability and provide a means of recourse for individuals who have been wronged or injured by someone acting on behalf of another.