What is the doctrine of res judicata and how does it apply to appellate proceedings?
The doctrine of res judicata (Latin for “a thing adjudged”) is a legal principle that holds that a final judgment on the merits of a claim is binding and prevents the same parties from relitigating it. It applies to appellate proceedings in that it prevents a particular case from being appealed more than once. In Delaware, the doctrine of res judicata applies to appeals from the court of chancery, the family court, the superior court, and the justice of the peace court. When a case is appealed and the final verdict is reached, then that decision may not be appealed again. This means that the parties may not file another appeal on the same facts and issues. In Delaware, the doctrine of res judicata is given effect through Statute 9 Del. C. 11001. This statute states that a judgment of a court of chancery, family court, superior court or justice of the peace court is final and conclusive for all purposes as to all matters adjudicated in the administrative or judicial proceedings and may not be opened, reviewed, or otherwise affected by a collateral attack, rehearing, certiorari, mandamus, prohibition, or other direct or collateral proceeding. The doctrine of res judicata is an important principle that prevents parties in Delaware from filing more than one appeal on the same issues and facts. It ensures that the final decision is respected, which helps to promote finality in the legal system.
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