Facts
A servant driving his master's cart allegedly made a detour and injured the claimant.
Issue
Is the master liable when the servant departs from his route?
Held
It depends whether he was still on his master's business or 'on a frolic of his own'.
Principle
A master is not liable for a servant on a frolic of his own (Parke B).
Why it matters
Origin of the 'frolic' test.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Joel v Morison (1834) 6 C & P 501 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/joel-v-morison> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.