What is a Default Judgment?

A default judgment is a court-issued judgement that is legally binding. Based on the situation on ground and the decision of the court, a default judgement can favor either the plaintiff or the defendant in a legal suit. A court can issue a default judgement in favor of a plaintiff for example, if the defendant fails to make an appearance in the court or ignores court summons. Also, if either of the parties fails to execute an action ordered by the court, a default judgement can be given in favor of the other party.

What Leads to a Default Judgment?

Generally, a default judgment is given if any action that is legally binding has been flouted by any of the parties involved in the lawsuit. Failure to provide substantial evidence for a claim or a valid proof can instigate a default judgment. Also, a default judgement can be issued by a court in favor of a plaintiff when the defendant has no appearance, defense or when he fails to honor or reply a court summons.

Default Judgments in the U.S., England and Wales

Default judgements in the United States is dependent on the state in which a lawsuit or civil action is filed. Different courts in the U. S have different administrative procedures, laws, regulations and rules. Hence, the procedures for a default judgment in a Federal Court in the United States will differ from the procedures used in state courts and tribal courts. For example, the Federal Rule 37(b)(iii) contains procedures for a default judgment. If for instance a plaintiff repeatedly fails to comply with court orders, the case will be struck out by the court and a default judgment given. On the other hand, in England and Wales, judgement in default otherwise called default judgement can only be u issued by the court in certain cases. Failure of a defendant to comply by court orders, submit required documents and proofs after being served court papers and required number of days to take the necessary steps, a default judgment can be passed.

Related Topics

• Civil Litigation Procedure (Intro)
• What is a civil lawsuit or civil action?
• Who are the parties to a lawsuit?
• What is standing to sue?
• Venue
• What is personal jurisdiction?
• What is a class action?
• What are the pleadings?
• What is discovery?
• What is the scope of discovery?
• What are motions and how are they used?
• What are frivolous cases?
• Barratry
• What is the process of selecting a jury?
• What are the steps involved in a civil trial?
• What is the burden of proof in a civil trial?
• How is a civil trial decided?
• Adjudication
• Default Judgment
• Stipulated Judgment
• Equitable Defenses
• Equitable Relief
• Doctrine of Clean Hands
• Compensatory Damages
• Punitive Damages
• Replevin
• What is joint and several liability?
• Judgment Proof
• What is the process for appeal?
• Amicus Curiae Brief
• How do parties enforce a civil judgment?
• Levy
• Garnishment
• Writ of Attachment
• Writ of Execution
• Writ of Seizure and Sale
• Sheriff's Sale
• What is res judicata