For recognition of a judgment under the Full Faith and Credit Clause, which conditions must be satisfied?

• A. Only merits
• B. Court had jurisdiction, judgment final, and judgment on the merits
• C. Only jurisdiction
• D. Only finality

Answer: (B)

Recognition of a judgment under the Full Faith and Credit Clause requires three things all at once: the rendering court must have had proper jurisdiction, the judgment must be final, and the judgment must be on the merits. Jurisdiction means the court had the power to decide the case over the parties and subject matter; without it, the judgment isn’t eligible for credit. Finality ensures the dispute has been resolved and is not subject to ongoing appeals or future changes. Being on the merits means the decision resolved the substantive issues between the parties, not just entered a procedural or technical ruling. If any one of these elements is missing, recognition can be denied. The other options fall short because they only cover one aspect, whereas all three are required for full faith and credit to apply.