Which doctrine prevents re-litigation of a claim that has been finally decided?

Which doctrine prevents re-litigation of a claim that has been finally decided?

• A. Equitable estoppel
• B. Hearsay
• C. Jurisdiction
• D. Res judicata

Answer: (D)

Res judicata prevents re-litigation of a claim that has been finally decided. Once a court has entered a final judgment on the merits in a case between the same parties (or their privies), the same claim or cause of action cannot be pursued in a later lawsuit. This doctrine serves to bring finality, promote judicial efficiency, and prevent conflicting outcomes. The key elements are a final judgment on the merits, identity of parties or their privies, and the same claim or cause of action. Equitable estoppel deals with fairness—preventing a party from pursuing a claim because of reliance on another party’s actions or representations—rather than barring a claim because it has already been finally decided. Hearsay concerns the admissibility of statements offered for truth in court, not the ability to relitigate a claim. Jurisdiction concerns whether a court has the authority to hear a case, not whether a claim may be barred after a final decision.

Res judicata prevents re-litigation of a claim that has been finally decided. Once a court has entered a final judgment on the merits in a case between the same parties (or their privies), the same claim or cause of action cannot be pursued in a later lawsuit. This doctrine serves to bring finality, promote judicial efficiency, and prevent conflicting outcomes. The key elements are a final judgment on the merits, identity of parties or their privies, and the same claim or cause of action.

Equitable estoppel deals with fairness—preventing a party from pursuing a claim because of reliance on another party’s actions or representations—rather than barring a claim because it has already been finally decided. Hearsay concerns the admissibility of statements offered for truth in court, not the ability to relitigate a claim. Jurisdiction concerns whether a court has the authority to hear a case, not whether a claim may be barred after a final decision.