What is a Default Judgment?

• A. A decision made by a jury after a trial
• B. A ruling against someone who fails to defend their case
• C. A voluntary agreement between both parties in a dispute
• D. A type of insurance claim for unpaid damages

Answer: (B)

A Default Judgment occurs when a court rules in favor of one party because the other party fails to respond or appear in court. This typically happens in civil cases when a defendant does not file an answer to a complaint or does not show up for a scheduled court hearing. By not defending against the allegations made, the defendant essentially forfeits their right to contest the claims. The court then issues a judgment based on the evidence presented by the plaintiff, leading to a ruling that favors the plaintiff, often resulting in monetary compensation or other relief.

The other options represent different legal concepts. A decision made by a jury after a trial describes a jury verdict, which involves active participation from all parties and a formal trial process. A voluntary agreement between both parties indicates a settlement, which is an alternative resolution to a dispute without court intervention. A type of insurance claim for unpaid damages refers to the process of filing a claim with an insurance company, which does not relate to court judgments. Each of these definitions differs fundamentally from the concept of a Default Judgment.