No man can be sued a second time for the same cause of action, if once judgment has been rendered.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Once a final judgment has been rendered on a cause of action, the same matter cannot be relitigated between the same parties — this is the principle of res judicata.

Where this applies

• A creditor who already won a judgment for unpaid rent cannot file a second lawsuit against the same tenant for the same unpaid rent.
• A plaintiff whose personal-injury case went to trial and resulted in a defense verdict cannot file a new lawsuit over the same accident.
• A former employee who lost a wrongful-termination lawsuit cannot refile the same claim against the same employer — once judged, the matter is settled.