Legal Memorandum: Res Judicata in MI

Issue: In Michigan, what is the scope of res judicata?

The policy underlying the doctrine of res judicata “is a manifestation of the recognition that endless litigation leads to vexation, confusion and chaos for the litigants as well as inefficient use of judicial resources.”  TA s "West Mich Park Assoc, Inc v Fogg, 158 Mich App 160" c 1 l "West Mich Park Assoc, Inc v Fogg, 158 Mich App 160; 404 NW2d 644 (1987)"West Mich Park Assoc, Inc v Fogg, 158 Mich App 160, 164; 404 NW2d 644, 646 (1987).  Moreover, “Michigan follows a broad application of the doctrine of res judicata, barring both those claims actually litigated in the prior action and those claims which could have been, but were not, litigated.”TA s "West Mich Park Assoc, Inc v Fogg, 158 Mich App 160" c 1  Id., 158 Mich App at 164.  The doctrine applies to “consent judgments as well as to judgments derived from contested trials.”  TA s "Schwartz v City of Flint, 187 Mich App 191, 194; 4" c 1 l "Schwartz v City of Flint, 187 Mich App 191; 466 NW2d 357 (1991)"Schwartz v City of Flint, 187 Mich App 191, 194; 466 NW2d 357, 359-60 (1991).  The acceptance of a mediation award is equivalent to a consent judgment.  TA s "Felsner v McDonald Rent-A-Car, Inc, 193 Mich App 5" c 1 l "Felsner v McDonald Rent-A-Car, Inc, 193 Mich App 565; 484 NW2d 408 (1992)"Felsner v McDonald Rent-A-Car, Inc, 193 Mich App 565, 570; 484 NW2d 408 (1992).

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