How does the doctrine of res judicata function in civil litigation?

The doctrine of res judicata, also known as claim preclusion, serves an essential function in civil litigation by preventing the same issue or claim from being re-litigated once it has been fully adjudicated by a competent court. This principle is rooted in the idea of finality in legal disputes; once a case has reached a conclusion, it encourages parties to accept the outcome and prevents the judicial system from being burdened by repetitive cases that could undermine the authority of previous judgments.

When a court issues a judgment, it determines the rights of the parties involved. Res judicata ensures that the same parties cannot bring a subsequent lawsuit based on the same underlying facts or issues that have already been resolved, thereby promoting efficiency and consistency in the legal process. This principle not only protects the integrity of the judicial system but also upholds the principle of judicial economy, as it prevents the courts from spending resources on cases that have already been decided.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of res judicata. For instance, allowing re-litigation under certain conditions conflicts with the doctrine's purpose of providing finality. Jury selection is unrelated to res judicata, as it pertains to procedural aspects of trial rather than the principles of claim preclusion. Mediation is