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Definition: Nonmutual collateral estoppel is a legal doctrine that prevents a party from relitigating an issue that has already been decided in a previous lawsuit, even if the second lawsuit involves a different claim. This doctrine can be asserted either offensively or defensively by a nonparty to the earlier action to prevent a party from relitigating an issue that was determined against it.
Examples:
These examples illustrate how nonmutual collateral estoppel can be used to prevent parties from relitigating issues that have already been decided in previous lawsuits. This doctrine helps to promote judicial efficiency and finality of judgments.