Select your state

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 Utah, res judicata, or claim preclusion, prevents a party from relitigating a claim that has already been finally adjudicated in a court of law. This means that once a court has issued a final judgment on the merits of a case, the same parties cannot bring a lawsuit on the same claim again. Issue preclusion, also known as collateral estoppel, bars the relitigation of specific issues that were necessarily decided in a previous lawsuit and are essential to the judgment. Even if the subsequent lawsuit is based on a different claim, the parties cannot dispute an issue that has already been conclusively settled in a prior case. These doctrines are designed to promote judicial efficiency, respect court decisions, and protect parties from the burden of multiple lawsuits on the same matter. Utah courts adhere to these principles, which are grounded in both state statutes and case law.

Legal Articles

State Statutes

Individual & Family Legal Plan

As a LegalFix member, you'll get expert legal services from a local law firm that treats you like an important client. Don't wait—be prepared for life's inevitable legal challenges starting today. And ask your employer, credit union, or membership group about preferred pricing opportunities.

Civil procedure

res judicata and collateral estoppel

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Utah State Code

Utah State Code

Civil procedure

res judicata and collateral estoppel

Articles