entire controversy doctrine
entire-controversy doctrine. The principle that a plaintiff or defendant who does not assert all claims or defenses related to the controversy in a legal proceeding is not entitled to assert those claims or defenses in a later proceeding. — Also termed single-controversy doctrine. Cf. compulsory counterclaim under COUNTERCLAIM; RES JUDICATA(2). [Cases: Action 53; Judgment 591. C.J.S. Actions §§ 177–203; Judgments §§ 761, 764–765.]