What is the doctrine of collateral estoppel in civil litigation?

Collateral estoppel is a doctrine used in civil litigation law in North Carolina. It is a concept that applies when one party has already litigated a certain issue or set of facts in court and the same issue or facts come up in another case. When this happens, the court can apply the doctrine of collateral estoppel and prevent the litigant from re-litigating the issue or facts. This doctrine prevents a party from having to go through the same legal battle twice over the same facts or issue. In order for the doctrine of collateral estoppel to apply, four requirements must be met. First, the issue or facts in the two cases must be identical. Second, the issue in the prior case must have been essential to its outcome. Third, the litigant must have had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the issue in the earlier case. Fourth, the previous ruling or judgment must be final and not subject to further appeal. Once all four requirements have been met, the doctrine of collateral estoppel will be applied and the litigant will be prevented from re-litigating the issue or facts. This doctrine helps to prevent unnecessary court costs and duplication of effort in civil litigation law.

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