In South Africa, many legal disputes are resolved without ever going to trial. One powerful tool that allows this is the process of default judgment. While the term might sound technical, the principle behind it is straightforward: if one party does not respond to a legal claim within a specified time, the other party can ask the court to decide the matter in their favour by default. 

Whether you're a business seeking to recover unpaid debts or an individual unexpectedly facing judgment, understanding default judgment is crucial. 

What Is Default Judgment? 

Default judgment is a court order granted in favour of the plaintiff (the party who instituted the proceedings) when the defendant (the person being sued) fails to: 

• Serve and file a notice of intention to defend within the periods prescribed by the Rules of Court or 
• In short, if the defendant does not take the necessary legal steps to defend the matter, the plaintiff can approach the court for judgment without the matter going to trial. 

Legal Framework: 

The procedures for default judgment are governed by the following: 

• Rule 12 of the Magistrate's Court Rules, and 
• Rule 31(2)(a) of the Uniform Rules of Court (High Court). 

Practical Examples 

A supplier delivers goods and invoices the customer but receives no payment. After sending a letter of demand and issuing a summons, the customer fails to respond. The supplier may then apply for default judgment. 

Why It Matters 

Default judgment is an efficient remedy. It can save time and legal costs compared to lengthy litigation. Once judgment is granted, you can proceed with enforcement  such as a warrant of execution, emoluments attachment order, or garnishee order to recover the debt. 

Ignoring legal notices can have serious consequences. A default judgment can negatively affect your credit profile and result in the attachment of your assets. In some cases, it may even lead to an emolument attachment order, where your salary is garnished. 

Can Default Judgment Be Rescinded? 

Yes, in certain circumstances. A defendant can apply for rescission of the judgment under Rule 31(2)(b) (High Court) or Rule 49 (Magistrate's Court) but must show: 

• A reasonable explanation for the default and 
• It's a bona fide defence with reasonable prospects of success. 
• Time is of the essence and delays can prejudice your chances of success.

Conclusion

Whether you are a creditor looking to enforce your rights or someone who's missed a court deadline, it is crucial to act quickly. The law provides clear pathways to secure a judgment or to remedy a default, but delay and inaction can be costly. 

Written by Anastacia Willemse, Candidate Attorney, SchoemanLaw Inc