Judgment by Default
/ˈdʒʌdʒˌmɛnt baɪ dɪˈfɔːlt/
Definitions
- (n.) A court's decision rendered against a party who fails to appear or respond in a legal proceeding, establishing the opposing party's claim as uncontested.
The plaintiff obtained a judgment by default after the defendant ignored the summons.
Forms
- judgments by default
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Ensure procedural rules governing notice and opportunity to respond are met before entering a judgment by default to avoid challenges on due process grounds.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.