Ophelia Urdiales, Etc. v. St. Paul Mercury Insurance Co.

The appellants, and also their intestate, suffered injuries as a result of an automobile accident which occurred in Arizona on June 11, 1961. Shortly thereafter, the appellees filed an action for declaratory relief in the state District Court of Potter County, Texas. The appellants were parties to that action, which culminated in a judgment absolving the appellees of any liability on account of the accident in question. The appellants did not appeal from the judgment of the Texas trial court, and it thereupon became final. In 1968, the appellants filed an action for declaratory relief in the United States Court for the District of Arizona. The essential purpose of that suit was to invalidate the Texas judgment. The District Court dismissed the complaint, and this appeal followed.

We have concluded that the District Court’s judgment was correct. It was based upon the court’s conclusion that the Texas judgment was res judicata on the critical issues presented and was entitled to full faith and credit in its effect upon those who were parties to the action. We are convinced that the District Court properly applied the controlling principles, and, accordingly, the judgment…