Final answer:
Res judicata and collateral estoppel prevent the relitigation of matters that have been resolved in prior judicial or administrative proceedings. They apply to both contexts, although their applicability in administrative proceedings may vary depending on specific legislation and rules of the administrative agency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Res judicata and collateral estoppel are legal principles that prevent a party from relitigating a matter that has already been judged on the merits in a prior proceeding. These principles apply to both judicial and administrative proceedings. Res judicata, also known as claim preclusion, bars a subsequent lawsuit involving the same parties or their privies and the same cause of action. Collateral estoppel, or issue preclusion, prevents the re-litigation of factual issues that have been conclusively determined in a prior proceeding where the same issue was essential to the judgment.
In the context of administrative proceedings, these doctrines ensure the finality of decisions and refrain from overburdening the legal system with repetitive cases. However, whether they apply can depend on the specific legislation governing the administrative body and the nature of the administrative proceedings. Some jurisdictions may have variations in how and when res judicata and collateral estoppel are applied administratively. Hence, parties looking to understand the applicability of these doctrines in administrative contexts should consult relevant statutes, case law, and rules governing the specific administrative agency involved.