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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 Kentucky, res judicata, or claim preclusion, prevents parties from relitigating a claim that has already been finally adjudicated by a competent court. 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 already decided in a previous lawsuit. For issue preclusion to apply, the issue must have been actually litigated, determined by a valid and final judgment, and essential to the prior judgment. Both doctrines aim to promote judicial efficiency, prevent inconsistent judgments, and protect parties from the burden of multiple lawsuits. Kentucky courts adhere to these principles, guided by state statutes and case law, to ensure the finality of judgments and to uphold the integrity of the judicial system.

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Civil procedure

res judicata and collateral estoppel

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Kentucky State Code

Civil procedure

res judicata and collateral estoppel

Kentucky State Code

Articles