What must parties consider when determining if claims are compulsory?

When assessing whether claims are compulsory, parties primarily need to consider the nature of the claims and their relationship to one another. Compulsory claims are those that arise from the same transaction or occurrence as the original claim, meaning they share a significant factual connection.

The rationale behind this requirement is to promote judicial efficiency and avoid multiple lawsuits over related issues, which can waste resources and lead to inconsistent judgments. When claims are sufficiently related, it is often more just and efficient to resolve them in a single proceeding. This encourages comprehensive adjudication and supports the principles of judicial economy.

In contrast, while timing, jurisdiction, and party representation are important factors in litigation, they do not directly influence whether claims are classified as compulsory. The focus is specifically on how closely the claims are intertwined regarding their factual backgrounds and legal questions. Thus, recognizing and articulating the relationship between claims is crucial for determining their status as compulsory.