- Generally separate individuals hold separate claims - no matter how closely they or their claims are related. - Due process prohibits binding non-parties to judgment with 6 exceptions (parties in privity) - Taylor v. Sturgell 1) Express agreement to be bound by prior action 2) Substantive legal relationships: successive property owners 3) Procedural representation: trustees, guardians 4) Party assumes control over prior litigation (public law litig.) 5) Party loses individual suit then sues as class representative 6) Special statutory schemes such as bankruptcy and probate