Multistate Bar Examination Practice Question

A court may enter a default judgment against a defendant if the defendant fails to respond to the complaint or plead within the time limits required by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. This ensures procedural fairness by penalizing parties that do not engage in the litigation process. A failure to serve the defendant properly or merely filing a motion to dismiss does not justify the entry of a default judgment. The obligation to respond arises only when the defendant has been properly served, as required to establish both notice and the jurisdiction of the court.