What does the term "dismissed with prejudice" signify in legal terms?

The term "dismissed with prejudice" signifies that a case is permanently closed and cannot be filed again. When a court dismisses a case with prejudice, it indicates that the decision is final and the plaintiff is barred from bringing the same claim or cause of action in the future. This is often the result of a variety of factors, such as a failure to prosecute, settlement, or a finding of the case lacking legal basis.

In contrast, if a case were dismissed without prejudice, it would allow the plaintiff the option to refile the case later. The other options reflect different legal scenarios that do not apply when a case is dismissed with prejudice, as it specifically emphasizes the finality and the prohibition on refiling the case.