When a trial court judgment is based on alternative grounds and on appeal the judgment is affirmed on only one of them, the appellate court refusing to consider the other, only the ground affirmed is to be given claim preclusive or issue preclusive effect in subsequent litigation. The alternative ground not reached on appeal is not entitled to any preclusive effect. The decision overrules People v. Skidmore (1865) 27 Cal. 287, which could be read to hold to the contrary.
California Supreme Court (Cantil-Sakauye, C.J.); June 25, 2018; 2018 Cal. LEXIS 4414