Collateral estoppel

Definition

A legal doctrine that prevents a party from relitigating an issue that has already been decided in a prior proceeding. In this context, a criminal conviction can establish facts that a victim can then rely on in a separate civil suit without re-proving them.

Examples

• •Section 3664(l) allows victims to use the collateral estoppel effect of a criminal judgment when bringing a separate civil suit for damages

Related Terms