Nummer v. Department of Treasury

In this case, we decide whether a formal and final decision by the Civil Service Commission rejecting a discrimination claim precludes relitigation of that issue in a subsequently filed action in circuit court. We hold that collateral estoppel bars relitigation of this claim. Accordingly, we reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals.

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Plaintiff David Nummer is a white male who was hired as an auditor by the Treasury Department in 1970 and transferred to the intelligence unit of the Tax Fraud Division in 1978. Plaintiff remained in the Tax Fraud Division until 1987, when all Tax Fraud…