Res Adjudicata Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Res Adjudicata, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Res Adjudicata?

(n) Res adjudicata is used to represent a legal suit or case which has be already adjudicated or decided by the court by completing all the legal procedure and the judge issuing his verdict on it

History and Meaning of Res Adjudicata

Res Adjudicata, which translates to "a matter adjudicated", refers to a legal doctrine that provides that a matter that has been resolved by a court may not be pursued in another court. The doctrine is based on the principle that once a verdict has been reached, it is binding and conclusive and cannot be altered or challenged by subsequent proceedings. Res Adjudicata is intended to ensure that there is finality and certainty in the resolution of disputes and to prevent litigants from re-litigating issues that have already been decided.

The principle of Res Adjudicata has been recognized for centuries and is a fundamental aspect of the legal systems of many countries. The doctrine is an extension of the common law principle of stare decisis, which holds that judicial decisions should be followed by lower courts in similar cases. The concept is also an essential component of the principle of res judicata, which refers to the finality of judgments.

Examples of Res Adjudicata

  1. If an individual has already been acquitted of a criminal charge, the prosecution cannot bring a new trial against them for the same offense under the principle of Res Adjudicata.

  2. If a court has already determined that a business breached a contract, the same issue cannot be re-litigated in a subsequent action between the same parties.

  3. A legal malpractice action may be precluded by Res Adjudicata if a prior lawsuit against the same attorney and involving the same facts was unsuccessful.

Legal Terms Similar to Res Adjudicata

  1. Collateral estoppel: A legal principle that prevents a party from re-litigating an issue that has already been determined in a prior action.
  2. Double jeopardy: A constitutional doctrine that prohibits an individual from being tried twice for the same crime.
  3. Final judgment: A judgment that disposes of all issues in a case and is considered final and appealable.