Opinion ID: 2639670
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: State issue preclusion

Text: In Nevada, issue preclusion requires that (1) an issue be identical, (2) the initial ruling was final and on the merits, (3) the party against whom the judgment is asserted was a party or in privity with a party in the prior case, and (4) the issue was actually and necessarily litigated. Five Star Capital Corp. v. Ruby, 124 Nev. ___, ___, 194 P.3d 709, 713 (2008). Issue preclusion is based upon the sound public policy of limiting litigation by preventing a party who had one full and fair opportunity to litigate an issue from again drawing it into controversy. Thompson v. City of North Las Vegas, 108 Nev. 435, 439-40, 833 P.2d 1132, 1134-35 (1992). This doctrine ends litigation and lends stability to judgments, thus inspiring confidence in the judicial system. Willerton v. Bassham, 111 Nev. 10, 19, 889 P.2d 823, 828 (1995). The party seeking to assert a judgment against another has the burden of proving the preclusive effect of the judgment. Bennett v. Fidelity & Deposit Co., 98 Nev. 449, 452, 652 P.2d 1178, 1180 (1982). Issue preclusion can only be used against a party whose due process rights have been met by virtue of that party having been a party or in privity with a party in the prior litigation. Paradise Palms, 89 Nev. at 30-31, 505 P.2d at 598-99. To be in privity, the person must have acquired an interest in the subject matter affected by the judgment through ... one of the parties, as by inheritance, succession, or purchase. Id. at 31, 505 P.2d at 599; accord Restatement (Second) of Judgments § 41(1) (1982) (enumerating representatives to include: trustees of an interest to which the person is a beneficiary, someone who the person invested with authority to represent him, a fiduciary to the person, an official or agency legally authorized to represent the person's interests, and a class representative in a certified class action).