DEFAULT JUDGMENT Meaning and
Definition
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A default judgment is a legal term that refers to a decision or ruling made by a court when one party in a lawsuit fails to respond or defend the case. When a defendant fails to appear in court or respond to a lawsuit within the specified time frame provided by the court, the plaintiff (the party initiating the lawsuit) may request a default judgment. This judgment is typically in favor of the plaintiff, and it establishes the defendant's liability and the amount of damages owed.
A default judgment is typically granted when the defendant has been properly served with legal documents and fails to provide any response or defense. The court assumes that the defendant's lack of response implies admission of liability. However, before issuing a default judgment, the court may require the plaintiff to demonstrate that the claim is valid and that the damages sought are reasonable.
Once a default judgment has been entered, the plaintiff can enforce it to collect the awarded damages from the defendant. This may involve wage garnishment, property liens, or other legal means of satisfying the judgment.
It is important to note that default judgments are generally seen as a last resort and are frowned upon within the legal system. Courts typically prefer that cases are decided on their merits, where both parties have the opportunity to present their arguments and evidence. However, default judgments serve as a means of resolving cases when one party chooses not to participate or abide by the court rules and procedures.
Common Misspellings for DEFAULT JUDGMENT
- sefault judgment
- xefault judgment
- cefault judgment
- fefault judgment
- refault judgment
- eefault judgment
- dwfault judgment
- dsfault judgment
- ddfault judgment
- drfault judgment
- d4fault judgment
- d3fault judgment
- dedault judgment
- decault judgment
- devault judgment
- degault judgment
- detault judgment
- derault judgment
- defzult judgment
Etymology of DEFAULT JUDGMENT
The word "default" originated from the Old French word "defaute", which came from the Latin word "defectus", meaning a failure or lack. In legal contexts, "default" refers to a failure to fulfill an obligation or a failure to take action. The term "judgment" originates from the Latin word "judicium", meaning decision or judgment. So, when combined, "default judgment" refers to a decision made by a court due to one party's failure to respond or appear in a legal case.
Similar spelling words for DEFAULT JUDGMENT
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