Matthew Andrew Garces v. Cindy Hernandez, et al.
SocialSecurity DueProcess
Whether the Fifth Circuit erred in holding that a default judgment against a pro se litigant constitutes a 'full and fair opportunity to litigate' for claim preclusion purposes, in conflict with other circuit decisions and Supreme Court precedent
1. Whether the Fifth Circuit erred in holding that a default judgment, entered against a pro se litigant who was incapacitated and hospitalized during the state court proceedings, constitutes a “full and fair opportunity to litigate ” for claim preclusion purposes, in direct conflict with the decisions of the Third and Seventh Circuits and this Court ’s precedent in Pioneer Investment Services Co. v. Brunswick Associates Ltd. Partnership. 2. Whether a judgment rendered by a court of limited jurisdiction —which is statutorily barred from adjudicating claims exceeding $20,000 —can extinguish federal claims for damages that facially exceed that jurisdictional limit, thereby violating due process and fundamental principles of jurisdiction by allowing state courts to nullify federal rights they lack the authority to enforce. Page 3 of 17