A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Dismissal with prejudice is a legal term that means a court has dismissed a claim, and the plaintiff is not allowed to bring that claim in another court. This is different from dismissal without prejudice, where the plaintiff can bring their claim in another court.

Under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 41(b), a dismissal is usually considered an “adjudication on the merits,” and therefore with prejudice. However, the District Courts have discretion as to whether they should dismiss with or without prejudice.

For example, in Soul Circus, Inc. v. Trevana Entertainment, Inc., a New York District Court ruled that “plaintiff’s failure to offer a persuasive reason for dismissal without prejudice, the vexatious nature of its actions, its attempt to avoid a prompt resolution in a forum no longer to its liking, and its failure to seek such a dismissal earlier all weigh in favor [of granting the defendants’ motion to dismiss with prejudice.]”

However, in Semtek Int’l Inc. v. Lockheed Martin Corp., the Supreme Court clarified that when a plaintiff had their claim dismissed in federal court with prejudice because of federal procedural law, the plaintiff may actually bring that claim in a state court if the state procedural laws differ from the federal laws and would allow the claim.

For example, if a plaintiff filed a claim in federal court but missed the federal statute of limitations, the court may dismiss the claim with prejudice. However, if the state statute of limitations is longer, the plaintiff may be able to bring the claim in a state court.

Overall, dismissal with prejudice is a serious consequence for a plaintiff, as it means they cannot bring their claim in another court. District Courts have discretion in deciding whether to dismiss with or without prejudice, and the decision may depend on factors such as the plaintiff’s behavior and the burden on the court system.