Final answer:
Supervising attorneys are responsible for subordinates when they fail to provide proper supervision leading to misconduct or negligence, which is rooted in professional standards of care and specific legal precedents such as Strickland v. Washington.
Step-by-step explanation:
Supervising attorneys are responsible for the acts of subordinates in situations where it can be demonstrated that they failed to properly supervise or direct the actions of their juniors, leading to misconduct or negligence. This is especially true where the supervising attorney had direct control or should have been aware of the subordinate's actions. The responsibility of supervising attorneys is rooted in the requirement that legal professionals maintain certain standards of care in the performance of their duties.
Notably, the Constitution's phrase “he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed” provides a similar framework for executive responsibility, mandating that those with supervisory roles ensure adherence to legal statutes and standards. In the context of legal practice, professional codes, and case law, such as Strickland v. Washington, outline the performance criteria for attorneys, and supervising attorneys may be held responsible if their actions or lack thereof, lead to a breach of these standards.