A matter adjudged.

Explanation

A matter finally decided on its merits by a court of competent jurisdiction is conclusive between the parties and cannot be relitigated — the judgment stands as law between them.

Where this applies

• A company sues its former employee for breach of contract, but the same claim was already decided against the company in a prior lawsuit, and the court dismisses the case because the matter has been adjudged.
• A divorcing spouse tries to relitigate the division of property that was settled in a prior court order, and the judge refuses because the issue is res adjudicata.
• A taxpayer challenges an assessment that was already upheld in a final judgment by the tax court, and the reviewing court declines to reconsider because a matter fully adjudicated between the same parties cannot be reopened.

See also

• 2.1.16 It concerns the State that judgments be not rescinded.