"My Heart Will Go On" (But Your Case Won't)

The 2024 Paris Olympics officially kicks off in just a few hours, and there’s anticipation (okay, maybe it’s just me) over whether Celine Dion will make an appearance at the opening ceremony.

Rumors have it that she will be performing alongside Lady Gaga to a duet of “La Vie en Rose” by Édith Piaf.

The French-Canadian singer grew up speaking French and began her career singing primarily in French before achieving international fame with her English-language songs.

Known for her powerful voice and emotional ballads, Dion was diagnosed in 2022 with stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes severe muscle stiffness and spasms. Despite these challenges, reports that she may make a special appearance at the Paris Olympics symbolizes her strength and endurance.

In law, there are few principles as heartening (or disheartening, depending on which side you're on) as res judicata (or “claim preclusion”). Just like Celine Dion's timeless ballad "My Heart Will Go On," once a court has rendered a final judgment on the merits of a case, that case "will go on" to be binding and conclusive, ensuring that the same parties cannot reopen the same dispute.

The term res judicata translates to "a matter judged" in Latin. Once a court has decided on a case, that decision must be respected and cannot be re-litigated. This doctrine is helps maintain the integrity and efficiency of our judicial system.

Here are some key elements of res judicata:

Valid, Final Judgment on the Merits: The previous case must have been concluded with a valid, final judgment, and that judgment must have been based “on the merits” (i.e., the court has made a final decision based on the substantive issues of the case, rather than on procedural or technical grounds).

Same Parties: The parties in the subsequent case must be the same as, or in privity with, those in the prior case.

Same Claim: The claim in the subsequent case must arise out of the same transaction or occurrence as the previous case.

Imagine a case where Jack sues Rose for breach of contract. The court finds in favor of Rose, ruling that there was no breach. Jack cannot later file another lawsuit against Rose for the same breach of contract claim. The judgment has been made, and like Celine Dion's iconic lyric, “near, far, wherever you are,” the decision will endure.

The finality of a court’s judgment, much like the lasting impact of a classic song, means that the matter is settled and will “go on” to prevent further litigation on the same issue.