The doctrine of res judicata - Definition

The doctrine of res judicata, also known as claim preclusion, is a legal principle that states that a matter that has been finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction cannot be re-litigated by the same parties or their privies in a later suit. This means that a judgment in a prior suit bars any subsequent suits based on the same cause of action. The purpose of res judicata is to promote judicial efficiency and prevent the harassment of parties by multiple lawsuits.