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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Servant
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A quick definition of Servant:
Term: Servant
Definition: A servant is an old-fashioned word for an employee who works for someone else. This means they don't have control over how they do their work. If a servant does something wrong while working, their boss can be held responsible for it, even if they didn't know about it. This is called the "master-servant" rule.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A servant is an employee who works for an employer and does not have control over how they do their work. This is different from an independent contractor who has more control over their work. If a servant is negligent while working for their employer, the employer can be held responsible for their actions under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
Example: A maid who works for a family is a servant. She is an employee who is paid to clean the house and do other household tasks. If she accidentally breaks a valuable vase while cleaning, her employer can be held responsible for the damages because she was acting in her capacity as a servant.
Example: A freelance graphic designer who is hired to create a logo for a company is not a servant. They are an independent contractor who has control over how they do their work. If the designer makes a mistake in the logo design, the company cannot be held responsible for the mistake because the designer is not a servant.
The examples illustrate the difference between a servant and an independent contractor. A servant is an employee who works for an employer and does not have control over how they do their work. An independent contractor has more control over their work and is not considered a servant.