What is res judicata and collateral estoppel?

Res judicata and collateral estoppel are two doctrines in California civil procedure. Res judicata is a Latin phrase meaning “a matter already judged.” It is a legal principle that prevents parties from relitigating a claim after a final decision has been issued by a court. This means that the final decision is binding and not subject to further challenge. Collateral estoppel is a related doctrine. It bars a party from re-litigating an issue that already has been decided in a prior case involving the same parties. A court will consider collateral estoppel when the same issue has been decided previously in a prior lawsuit between the same parties. In California, the elements of res judicata and collateral estoppel are similar. Both require that the issue being litigated is identical and that the party who seeks to prevent relitigation of the issue had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the issue in the prior proceeding. Both doctrines are designed to promote judicial economy by avoiding repetitive litigation and conflicting judgments.

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What is res judicata and collateral estoppel?

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