What happens in a trial by default?

In a trial by default, a case is resolved when one party fails to respond to the legal action brought by another party. This typically occurs in civil cases where the defendant does not file an answer or appear in court after being properly notified of the lawsuit. As a result, the court may grant a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff, meaning the plaintiff wins the case because the defendant chose not to participate in the proceedings.

This process underscores the principle that parties are expected to actively engage in legal processes; failure to do so can result in serious legal consequences, such as losing the right to contest the claims made against them. This type of judgment is often seen as a way to ensure that cases can progress even when one party does not fulfill their obligations to participate.