Which factor is NOT necessary for a parent to be liable for their child’s actions?

In determining parental liability for a child's actions, the presence of malicious intent on the part of the child is not a necessary factor. Liability can arise from other bases, such as negligence or the parent's ability to control their child's actions. Regardless of whether the child intended to act maliciously, a parent might still be held responsible for their child's wrongful acts if they failed to supervise or control the child appropriately.

For instance, in cases of negligence, the parent's responsibility might hinge on whether they exercised reasonable care in overseeing their child's behavior. The factors that typically establish liability include the parent’s knowledge of the child's propensity for certain behaviors, and their capacity to control the child’s actions. Thus, the absence of malicious intent does not absolve a parent from potential liability, reinforcing that culpability can exist even without ill intent from the child.