Default Judgment
A court ruling in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit within the required timeframe.
Detailed Explanation
Default judgments can be devastating because the defendant loses without having their side heard. The plaintiff gets everything they asked for in the complaint. Default judgments can sometimes be vacated (set aside) if the defendant shows good cause for the failure to respond and a valid defense to the claim. Moving quickly is essential — the longer you wait, the harder it is to vacate a default.
Related Terms
Plaintiff
The person or entity who initiates a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint against the defendant.
Defendant
The person or entity being sued in a civil lawsuit or accused of a crime in a criminal case.
Summons
An official court document notifying a person that they are being sued and must respond within a specified time or face a default judgment.