Issue Preclusion (Collateral Estoppel)

Definition

A doctrine that prevents a party from relitigating an issue that was already decided in a prior proceeding. Non-mutual issue preclusion can sometimes be used by a party who was not involved in the original case to prevent relitigation.

Examples

• •Justice Jackson raised concerns that if the judgment against Hain stands, Whole Foods might use issue preclusion to block the plaintiffs from relitigating causation in a separate state court lawsuit.

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