What is the doctrine of res judicata?

The doctrine of res judicata is a legal principle that applies in the state of Arizona. It prevents the same legal claim or cause of action from being litigated twice. Essentially, it means that once there has been a final judgment on the merits of a case, the same parties cannot reopen the matter in a new lawsuit. In order for the doctrine of res judicata to apply, four elements must be met. The first is that the court that entered the judgment must have had jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter of the dispute. The second element is that the parties must be the same as, or in privity with, those involved in the prior litigation. The third element is that the same cause of action must be presented in the new lawsuit. Finally, there must have been a valid and final judgment on the merits of the original case. When the doctrine of res judicata applies, it serves to prevent the re-litigation of settled claims. This means that any claims that could have been raised in the original case cannot be raised again in a new lawsuit. This saves time and money, as it prevents parties from having to litigate the same issue repeatedly.

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What is the doctrine of res judicata?

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