"Res judicata" does not restrict the appeals process, which is considered a linear extension of the same lawsuit as the suit travels up (and back down) the appellate court ladder. Appeals are considered the appropriate manner by which to challenge a judgment rather than trying to start a new trial. Once the appeals process is exhausted or waived, "res judicata" will apply even to a judgment that is contrary to law. In states that permit a judgment to be renewed, a lawsuit to renew the judgment would not be barred by "res judicata", however in states that do not permit renewal by action (as opposed to renewal by "scire facias" or by motion), such an action would be rejected by the courts as vexatious.