Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
Small claims court decisions
I was just sued in small claims court for a breach of contract. The judge decided in my favor and did not award any damages. Does this mean it is over. I know she has no appeal rights as she was the plaintiff but can she she take me to a different court and sue me again?
4 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Small claims court decisions
It is all over.
Re: Small claims court decisions
Under the common law doctrine of res judicata, you may not be sued twice for the same thing. Now you can humm the latin phrase to the famous song from Disney's The Lion King, "Akuna Matada", and impress family and friends with your knowledge of law and latin all while being comforted by the fact that you will not be dragged back into court-Martin
Re: Small claims court decisions
It's over. She had the choice between small claims and the superior court, and it is now too late for her to change her mind.
Re: Small claims court decisions
She will not be able to sue you again and win. The legal theory that I'm talking about is called "Res Judicata." All you have to do, if she sues you somewhere else, is to inform the court about the prior decision.
Unless an exception comes to play, which it doesn't seem like in this case (i.e., you got a ruling in your favor based on some sort of procedural technicality and not on the merits) you will be able to successfully fend off any subsequent lawsuit.
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