Opinion ID: 2739171
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Prior Final Judgment on the Merits

Text: First, the prior judgment was a “final judgment on the merits by a court of competent jurisdiction.” Id. The Stevenses do not dispute that the original district court had jurisdiction; rather, they argue that the first judgment, a Rule 12(b)(6) dismissal, was not a final decision on the merits because it was rendered before discovery or trial. This argument is unavailing because trial and discovery are not necessary to a decision on the merits. Generally, a federal court’s dismissal with prejudice is a final judgment on the merits for res judicata purposes. See Oreck Direct, LLC v. Dyson, Inc., 560 F.3d 398, 401 (5th Cir. 2009) (citing Fernandez–Montes v. Allied Pilots Ass’n, 987 F.2d 278, 284 n.8 (5th Cir. 1993)). It is well established that Rule 12(b)(6) dismissals are made on the merits. Federated Dep’t Stores, Inc. v. Moitie, 452 U.S. 394, 399 n.3 (1981) (citing Angel v. Bullington, 330 U.S. 183, 190 (1947)). Thus, the first judgment satisfies this element.