What is a judgment by confession?

• A. A judgment entered on a stipulation or confession by a party.
• B. A judgment entered after a jury verdict.
• C. A judgment issued without any proceedings.
• D. A judgment based on ex parte communications.

Answer: (A)

A judgment by confession is a judgment entered because a party admits liability in writing, usually through a stipulation or a signed confession filed with the court. Because the party acknowledges both the facts and the amount owed, there’s no need for a trial to prove liability. This speeds up resolution when there’s no real dispute about who owes what.

This isn’t a judgment that comes after a jury verdict, which requires a trial and a decision by the jury. It isn’t issued without any proceedings, since it rests on a formal confession or stipulation. And it isn’t based on ex parte communications; the admission is a voluntary, documented statement filed with the court, typically with the other party aware and involved in the process.