Court Reporter Practice Exam

What does "res judicata" imply regarding legal claims?

1. A claim can be tried multiple times

2. An unresolved claim can take precedence

3. A claim cannot be retried if already decided

4. A case is reopened for additional evidence

The correct answer is: A claim cannot be retried if already decided

"Res judicata" is a fundamental principle in law that signifies the finality of judicial decisions. It indicates that once a court has rendered a judgment on a legal claim, that claim cannot be brought before the court again in a subsequent lawsuit. This principle serves to promote judicial efficiency by preventing the same issues from being litigated multiple times, which conserves resources for both the courts and the parties involved. When a claim is determined by a competent court, the decision becomes binding on the parties, ensuring that there is legal certainty and stability. This prevents litigants from rearguing issues that have already been settled, thereby streamlining the judicial process and reducing the burden of repeated litigation. The significance of "res judicata" also extends to the doctrine of preclusion, which upholds that all related claims that could have been raised in the initial action must also be barred in future actions. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the concept's meaning. Claims can only be tried multiple times if res judicata does not apply, and unresolved claims do not take precedence over those that have been decided. Additionally, "res judicata" implies that a case will not be reopened for new evidence or arguments unless there are very specific circumstances that warrant