The principle of respondeat superior is a legal doctrine that holds an employer responsible for the actions of its employees that are performed within the scope of their employment. In other words, it holds an employer accountable for any wrongful acts committed by its employees while they are conducting business on behalf of the company.
The principle of respondeat superior was not applied to this case because the court found that Sapp’s actions were solely his own and were not related to the company’s business. Even though Sapp’s actions constituted an assault, the principle of respondeat superior did not apply and the employer was not liable for his actions.