Which statement describes the status when a defendant fails to respond?

• A. The defendant is in default
• B. The case proceeds normally
• C. The defendant is granted immunity
• D. The judge delays proceedings

Answer: (A)

When a defendant does not respond within the time allowed after being served with a complaint, the defendant is in default. That status signals to the court and plaintiff that there is no responsive pleading, so the plaintiff may move for an entry of default, and once that default is entered, seek a default judgment if proper. The case doesn’t proceed as usual because there’s no defense or answer on file. Immunity or automatic delays aren’t the consequence of failing to respond; instead, the procedural path moves toward default and, potentially, a default judgment, with the option for the defendant to move to set aside the default for good cause.