What does "let the master answer" mean in a legal context?

The phrase "let the master answer" is a legal doctrine that holds employers liable for the actions of their employees when those actions occur in the course of their employment. This concept, rooted in the principle of vicarious liability, means that if an employee causes harm or engages in misconduct while performing their job duties, the employer (the "master") can be held responsible for those actions.

This accountability is based on the understanding that employers have a degree of control over their employees and the working conditions, and therefore they carry a responsibility for ensuring that their employees act within the law and company policies. When employees are acting within their designated role and the employer has control over their actions, the legal system allows for the employer to be held liable as a way to provide remedies for those harmed.

The other choices do not capture this doctrine accurately: the first option suggests individual responsibility without employer liability; the third implies that no one is accountable, which contradicts the principle of vicarious liability; and the fourth suggests exclusivity to the employee's responsibility, ignoring the employer's role. Hence, the understanding that "let the master answer" points directly to the employer's responsibility for the actions of their employees is essential for interpreting this legal concept correctly.