Default Judgment

A default judgment is issued by a court in civil disputes when the defendant fails to respond to a complaint. The court must have jurisdiction, and the defendant must be properly served. If the defendant does not respond within the specified time, the court awards judgment to the plaintiff by default, without a trial or jury decision. This process is part of civil litigation in the U.S.

What is a default judgment in the context of civil disputes?

• A judgment issued only in criminal cases.

• A judgment issued after a full trial and jury decision.

• A judgment issued when a defendant fails to respond to a complaint.

• A judgment issued when a defendant responds to a complaint.

Which of the following is necessary for a court to render a default judgment?

• The plaintiff must have a criminal record.

• The court must have subject matter and personal jurisdiction.

• The defendant must be out of the country.

• The case must involve a large sum of money.

What does 'service of process' mean in legal terms?

• A call to appear before the court to answer a complaint.

• A process of delivering mail.

• A method of serving food in a restaurant.

• A type of legal document used in criminal cases.

What happens if a defendant does not respond to a complaint within the stated period?

• The defendant automatically wins the case.

• The court dismisses the case.

• The case is transferred to another court.

• The court awards judgment to the plaintiff by default.

In a default judgment, what is typically absent from the proceedings?

• A trial and jury decision.

• A written complaint.

• A legal representative for the plaintiff.

• A court hearing.