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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 Tennessee, res judicata, or claim preclusion, prevents a party from suing on a claim that has already been finally adjudicated in a court of competent jurisdiction. Once a final judgment has been rendered, the same parties cannot litigate the same claim or any other claim arising from the same transaction that could have been raised in the first lawsuit. Issue preclusion, or collateral estoppel, bars the re-litigation of specific issues that were actually litigated and essential to the judgment in a prior lawsuit between the same parties. Both doctrines are intended to promote judicial efficiency, preserve the integrity of court judgments, and protect parties from the burden of multiple lawsuits. These principles are codified in Tennessee case law and are consistent with federal law, ensuring that once a dispute has been resolved, it cannot be brought before the court again.

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Civil procedure

res judicata and collateral estoppel

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Tennessee State Code

Tennessee State Code

Civil procedure

res judicata and collateral estoppel

Articles