Not twice for the same thing.

Explanation

No person may be subjected to a second prosecution, suit, or proceeding for the same cause — whether in criminal law (double jeopardy) or civil law (res judicata), the matter once determined is settled and cannot be relitigated.

Where this applies

• A man acquitted of robbery cannot be retried for the same robbery — the constitutional protection against double jeopardy forbids it.
• A plaintiff who lost a breach-of-contract lawsuit cannot file an identical suit against the same defendant over the same contract — once decided, the matter cannot be relitigated.
• A government agency that lost an administrative challenge cannot bring the same challenge again against the same party based on the same facts.

See also

• 8.1.32 No man ought to be twice vexed, if it be proved to the Court that it be for one and the same cause.
• 8.6.5 No man ought to be twice vexed for one and the same cause.