What must be established before entering a default judgment?

Before entering a default judgment, it is essential to establish the amount of damages that the plaintiff is entitled to receive. A default judgment occurs when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit within the required time frame, resulting in the plaintiff's victory by default. However, it is still necessary for the plaintiff to demonstrate the extent of their damages in order to secure a judgment.

In many cases, this may require the plaintiff to provide evidence or testimony regarding the damages suffered. This step ensures that the judgment accurately reflects the harm caused to the plaintiff and avoids excessive or unjust awards. If the amount of damages is not properly established, the court cannot enter a valid default judgment.

The other options do not correctly represent what is necessary for a default judgment. For instance, the defendant's presence in court is not required because a default judgment typically occurs in their absence. The judge's discretion is limited by the factual basis provided by the plaintiff, hence not alone sufficient. Finally, proving the plaintiff's credibility is not a prerequisite for entering a default judgment since the defendant's failure to respond has already prejudiced their case.