Hayes v. Pin Oak Petroleum, Inc.

At issue is the preclusive effect that should be given to a federal district court judgment in a subsequent suit in state district court regarding title to land. The state district court granted a motion for summary judgment based on res judicata and collateral estoppel, and dismissed the cause with prejudice. We hold that the prior federal judgment does not preclude the state claim and, therefore, will reverse.

Appellant Catherine Mondine Hayes filed suit in state district court claiming an interest in the estate of Romeo Colvin, which consists in part of 1292 acres of land in Lee County.…