Practice point: Collateral estoppel bars relitigation in a state action an issue that has been decided in a federal action in which there was a full and fair opportunity to litigate.
Students should note that the doctrine does not apply if the federal court's determination was based on the adequacy of the pleadings and did not go to the merits.
Case: Lexjac, LLC v. Beckerman, NY Slip Op 03074 (2d Dept. 2010)
