The Concept of Res Judicata in the Common Law System with Emphasis on Cypriot and UK perspectives

Abstract

The doctrine of res judicata is an important feature in many common law systems, most notably formulated in English law. This paper examines its rationale, purpose and scope under common law, with a focus on the cause of action estoppel and issue estoppel, before looking at its application in the legal system of the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus owes much of its legal system to common law and thus possesses many similarities to the English formulation of the doctrine.