What outcome is associated with a trial by default?

A trial by default occurs when one party fails to appear in court or respond to a legal action initiated against them. In such cases, the court may determine the outcome of the trial based on the available evidence presented by the other party, who has complied with the court's requirements.

A guilty verdict is commonly associated with a trial by default because the absence of the party indicates a lack of defense against the claims made by the other party. The court may interpret this absence as an admission of liability or guilt, leading to a judgment against the absent party. Essentially, the defaulting party loses the opportunity to present their case, which can result in a ruling that is unfavorable to them.

This understanding is aligned with the principles of default judgments, where a party not contesting the claims made against them allows the court to rule in favor of the other party based on the latter's presented evidence. In contrast, a trial held without the absent party would not lead to an innocent verdict since the absence suggests a failure to challenge the allegations, reinforcing the potential for a guilty verdict.