Court Opinion

ID: 9578486
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 21:45:44.950371+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:27:57.705726
License: Public Domain

Horkan, Judge,
concurring specially.
I concur with the holding of the majority in these cases. However, I would also add that because former Governor Busbee withdrew his appeals, the judgments of the trial court holding that he is not entitled to receive involuntary separation retirement benefits have become final, binding, and conclusive as to his rights thereto, but that such judgments adjudicate only the rights of former Governor Bus-bee. “A judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction shall be conclusive between the same parties and their privies as to all matters put in issue or which under the rules of law might have been put in issue in the cause wherein the judgment was rendered until the judgment is reversed or set aside.” OCGA § 9-12-40. These actions were not filed or certified as class actions, OCGA § 9-11-23, and for this court to adjudicate the rights of other unknown and unnamed persons who were not made parties in these cases would violate the fundamental fairness of providing them with their day in court after proper notice and an opportunity to be heard.