Riverside California Jury Instruction — 1.9.1 Miscellaneous Issues Respondent Superior is a legal instruction that is used in California courts during civil trials to guide the jury in determining liability in cases involving the doctrine of respondent superior. This doctrine holds an employer or principal responsible for the wrongful actions of their employee or agent, committed within the scope of their employment or agency. The Riverside California Jury Instruction — 1.9.1 focuses on various miscellaneous issues related to respondent superior, ensuring that the jury understands the legal principles and factors to consider when determining if the employer or principal should be held liable for the actions of their employee or agent. Here are some of the key points covered in this instruction: 1. Scope of employment: This section explains that in order for an employer to be held responsible for the actions of an employee, the wrongful act must have occurred within the scope of the employee's employment. The jury is instructed to consider factors such as whether the act was authorized by the employer, if it occurred during work hours or at a work-related location, or if it was done to further the employer's interests. 2. Detour and frolic: This part clarifies that if an employee deviates from their assigned tasks, the employer may still be held liable for their actions if the deviation was minor, incidental, or reasonably expected in the course of employment. However, if the employee engages in a substantial departure, commonly known as a "frolic," the employer may not be held responsible. 3. Intentional torts: The instruction covers cases where the employee intentionally causes harm to another person. It explains that even if the act was not specifically authorized by the employer, the employer may still be held liable if the wrongful act was committed within the scope of employment and was reasonably foreseeable. 4. Independent contractors: This section addresses the distinction between employees and independent contractors. It informs the jury that an employer is generally not responsible for the actions of an independent contractor unless the employer had control over the specific details of the contractor's work or negligently hired an incompetent contractor. Different types of Riverside California Jury Instruction — 1.9.1 Miscellaneous Issues Respondent Superior may exist depending on the specific circumstances of the case at hand, including variations in the facts, evidence, and legal claims involved. However, the instruction generally covers the core principles of respondent superior liability and provides guidance to the jury to make a fair and informed decision in holding employers accountable for the actions of their employees or agents. In summary, Riverside California Jury Instruction — 1.9.1 Miscellaneous Issues Respondent Superior is a comprehensive legal guide that addresses important aspects of determining employer liability for the actions of their agents or employees. It helps the jury understand the relevant legal principles and considerations when deciding if an employer should be held responsible for the wrongful acts committed by their employees.