default judgement

Friendly

Sure! Let's break down the term "default judgment" in a way that’s easy to understand.

Definition:

A default judgment is a legal decision made by a court in favor of one party (usually the plaintiff) when the other party (the defendant) does not show up in court or respond to the lawsuit.

Usage Instructions:

• You typically use "default judgment" in legal contexts, such as when discussing court cases or legal actions.
• It is a noun, so you would use it in a sentence as you would with any noun.

Example:

• "The judge issued a default judgment against the defendant because they did not attend the hearing."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced discussions, you might hear about the implications of a default judgment, such as how it can affect a defendant's ability to appeal or the enforcement of the judgment.

Word Variants:

• Default (noun): The failure to fulfill a duty or obligation.
• Judgment (or Judgement): The decision made by a court regarding a case.

Different Meanings:

• Default can also mean a pre-set setting in technology (like default settings on a computer).
• Judgment can refer to a decision made in everyday situations, not just legal ones.

Synonyms:

• In absentia judgment: A legal term for a judgment made when one party is absent.
• Ex parte judgment: A term used when one side of the case is not present.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs closely related to "default judgment," but here are some phrases that might be used in legal contexts: - "Throw out the case": To dismiss a legal case. - "Call to the stand": To ask a witness to testify in court.

Summary:

A default judgment is important in legal cases because it allows a plaintiff to win a case without the defendant's participation. It emphasizes the importance of responding to legal actions, as failing to do so can lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Academic

Noun

1. a judgment entered in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant defaults (fails to appear in court)

Synonyms

• default judgment
• judgment by default
• judgement by default