What is the doctrine of res judicata?

The doctrine of res judicata is an important principle of civil procedure in Massachusetts. It holds that when a court makes a final judgment on a legal issue, that judgment is binding and cannot be challenged again in the same court or in any other court. Res judicata means "had judgment" in Latin. The doctrine of res judicata applies in several situations, such as when a case has been fully and finally litigated; when a claim for relief has been fully litigated; when a party has been fully heard and opportunity to litigate was given; and when the party’s claim or defense was finally decided. The doctrine of res judicata also applies when a party has filed a new action and the court declares that the same issue has been previously litigated in another court. In this case, the court will dismiss the new action and adhere to the ruling of the other court. In Massachusetts, the doctrine of res judicata is applied in both state and federal courts. This doctrine is important because it prevents parties from re-litigating the same legal issue multiple times in multiple courts, which would be time-consuming and inefficient. It also ensures parties cannot take advantage of others and provides greater finality to legal disputes.

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What is the doctrine of res judicata?

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