Gezag van gewijsde

The authority of res judicata is a fundamental principle of Dutch procedural law. It provides that a judgment which has become final and binding is conclusive as between the parties and binding on the court in any subsequent proceedings.

This principle promotes legal certainty and prevents parties from repeatedly reopening the same dispute. It ensures that a definitive ruling remains final and may not be called into question.

In practice, res judicata is commonly invoked by means of a plea of res judicata, resulting in the dismissal of a fresh claim where it pursues the same objective as an earlier final judgment.