Collateral Estoppel Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Collateral Estoppel.

Collateral Estoppel (noun)

The legal principle which prevents (or 'estoppels') a party from re-litigating or raising an issue in a different legal proceeding, when that issue was already decided ('judged') in a previous case. The same party is required ('legally bound') to abide by the previous judgement. It's used to maintain consistency and fairness in legal outcomes by avoiding repetitive, unnecessary litigation.