Under the doctrine of res judicata, a disposition on the merits bars litigation between the same parties, or those in privity with them, of a cause of action arising out of the same transaction or series of transactions as a cause of action that either was raised or could have been raised in the prior proceeding, The doctrine is grounded in public policy concerns and is intended to ensure finality, prevent vexatious litigation and promote judicial economy. However, in properly seeking to deny a litigant two days in court, courts must be careful not to deprive the litigant of one.
Guzzetta v. Messina, NY Slip Op 00879 (2d Dep't February 18, 2026)
