What is the term for a person who is legally responsible for the tortious acts of another?

The term that describes a person who is legally responsible for the tortious acts of another is "Vicarious Liability." This legal concept arises in situations where one party, often an employer, may be held liable for the negligent actions of another party, such as an employee, performed in the course of employment.

Vicarious liability underscores the principle that an employer can be responsible for the actions of their employees if those actions are related to their job duties. This serves to protect victims by allowing them to seek compensation from a potentially more financially stable party rather than from the individual who directly caused the harm, who may not have the means to pay for damages.

Other terms mentioned, such as "Principal" and "Agent," relate specifically to agency law and the relationship between individuals in business transactions but do not encapsulate the liability aspect that vicarious liability addresses. A "Tortfeasor" is the individual who actually commits the tort, thus directly responsible for their own actions, rather than someone who is responsible for another's acts. Therefore, vicarious liability is the appropriate term for establishing legal responsibility for another's tortious conduct.