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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 Rhode Island, res judicata, or 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. Issue preclusion, also known as collateral estoppel, bars the relitigation of factual or legal issues that were actually litigated and essential to the judgment in a prior action between the same parties. These doctrines are intended to promote judicial efficiency, respect court decisions, and protect parties from the burden of multiple lawsuits. Rhode Island courts will apply these principles to ensure that once a dispute has been resolved, it cannot be reopened in subsequent litigation.

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Civil procedure

res judicata and collateral estoppel

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Rhode-Island State Code

Rhode-Island State Code

Civil procedure

res judicata and collateral estoppel

Articles