A default judgment occurs when a court decides in favor of one party because the other party did not respond or appear in court. This typically happens in civil cases when the defendant fails to file an answer to a complaint or misses a scheduled court date. As a result, the plaintiff may receive a judgment without having to present evidence or arguments. Once a default judgment is entered, it can have significant consequences for the defendant, including financial penalties or orders to take specific actions. The defendant may have limited options to contest the judgment afterward, making it crucial to respond promptly to any legal notices related to the case.