How does a "detour" differ from a "frolic" in employment law?

In employment law, the distinction between a "detour" and a "frolic" primarily revolves around the degree of deviation an employee takes from their work duties and the implications for employer liability.

A "detour" refers to a minor deviation from an employee's assigned tasks or work-related travel. During a detour, the employee is still considered to be acting within the scope of their employment, so the employer may still hold liability for the employee's actions while on this minor deviation. This is because the detour does not fundamentally change the relationship between the employee's actions and their work responsibilities.

In contrast, a "frolic" indicates a significant departure from the employee's work duties for personal reasons. When an employee is on a frolic, they are engaged in activities unrelated to their employment, and as a result, employers typically do not bear liability for actions taken during this period. The distinction is crucial in legal terms because it determines whether an employer is responsible for the employee's conduct.

Thus, the correct answer highlights that a detour still exposes the employer to liability, while a frolic does not alter that liability due to the substantial personal deviation from job-related tasks. Understanding this difference is essential for both employers and employees regarding legal