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Civil procedure

res judicata and collateral estoppel

Res judicata is the generic term for a group of related concepts concerning the conclusive effects given final judgments. Within this general doctrine there are two principal categories: (1) claim preclusion—also known as res judicata; and (2) issue preclusion—also known as collateral estoppel.

These legal doctrines generally preclude litigants from relitigating claims and issues that were previously litigated to a final resolution or judgment.

In Oklahoma, res judicata, also known as claim preclusion, prevents a party from relitigating a claim that has already been finally adjudicated by a competent court. Once a final judgment has been rendered, the same parties cannot bring a lawsuit on the same claim or cause of action again. This doctrine promotes judicial efficiency and respects the finality of court decisions. Issue preclusion, or collateral estoppel, is a related concept that bars the re-litigation of factual or legal issues that were actually litigated and essential to the judgment in a prior action between the same parties. Both doctrines are grounded in the principle that a party should not be allowed to contest a matter that has been definitively settled. Oklahoma courts adhere to these principles to ensure consistency and to prevent legal harassment or abuse of judicial resources.

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Civil procedure

res judicata and collateral estoppel

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Oklahoma State Code

Oklahoma State Code

Civil procedure

res judicata and collateral estoppel

Articles