Judgement By Default (Noun)
Meaning
A judgment entered in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant defaults (fails to appear in court).
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- A judgment by default was entered against the defendant due to their absence in court, and they were ordered to pay the full amount claimed by the plaintiff.
- The court clerk explained to the parties involved that a judgment by default would be entered if the defendant failed to file an answer to the complaint within the 30-day time frame.
- Because the defendant did not show up for the hearing, the judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff by way of judgment by default.
- In small claims court, judgment by default is often the outcome when the defendant chooses not to appear and contest the charges.
- When the defendant ignored the summons, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, issuing a judgment by default that required the defendant to fulfill their obligations.