Laravel validations

controller.php

<?php
//One way
$this->validate($request,
    [
        'data.*.name' => 'unique:priorities'
    ],
    [
        'data.*.name.unique' => 'Priority name exists already, please pick a different name.'
    ]
);

//Second way
$validator = Validator::make($request->all(), [
    'data.*.name' => 'unique:priorities',
]);

if ($validator->fails()) {
    return response()->json(['formError' => ["Priority already exists, please use a different name."]], 422);
}

//In case you want the Laravel default message
if ($validator->fails()) {    
    return response()->json($validator->messages(), 422);
}