Res judicata, also known as claim preclusion, is a legal doctrine that prevents parties from relitigating a claim or issue that has already been judged in a final verdict by a competent court. This principle ensures that once a matter is decided, it cannot be reopened or contested in future litigation, promoting finality and judicial efficiency. It plays a significant role in shaping the legal landscape by preventing unnecessary duplication of efforts and resources in the courts.
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