Definition

Noun: - A judgment entered in favor of the defendant when the plaintiff fails to proceed with their lawsuit: This is a legal term for a ruling made by a court against the plaintiff because they have not taken the required steps to advance their case, such as failing to appear in court or to file necessary documents.

Usage

This term is used almost exclusively in formal legal contexts. It describes a specific type of court judgment resulting from inaction by the party who initiated the lawsuit. - The court entered a non prosequitur due to the plaintiff's repeated failure to meet filing deadlines. - The defendant's attorney moved for a non prosequitur when the plaintiff did not appear at the hearing.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often abbreviated as "non pros." in legal documents and notes.
  • The motion for a non pros. was granted.

Variants and Related Words

• Non pros.: The common abbreviation for .
• Default judgment: A broader category of judgment entered due to a party's failure to act, which includes a .
• Involuntary dismissal: A court order that ends a case without a decision on the merits, often for procedural failures; a is one type.

Synonyms

• Judgment of nonsuit (in some jurisdictions)
• Dismissal for failure to prosecute

Notes on Meaning

This term originates from Latin, meaning "he does not prosecute." It applies specifically to the plaintiff's failure to actively pursue their claim. It is distinct from a judgment on the merits of the case.

Noun

1. a judgment entered in favor of the defendant when the plaintiff has not continued his action (e.g., has not appeared in court)