Which statement best describes a judgment by confession?

• A. A judgment by confession is a judgment entered on a stipulation or confession by a party.
• B. A judgment issued by the court without a hearing.
• C. A judgment withheld until a later date.
• D. A judgment entered after a jury verdict.

Answer: (A)

A judgment by confession happens when a party admits liability and the amount due through a signed stipulation or confession, allowing the court to enter judgment without a trial on the merits. This is a form of consent resolution used to speed things up when the parties agree on liability and amount. Because the confession or stipulation provides the necessary proof, there’s no need for a hearing or disputed evidence to establish fault. The other descriptions describe different kinds of judgments: one is a judgment issued without a hearing in broader contexts like defaults, another is a judgment postponed to a later date, and another occurs after a jury verdict. The statement that a judgment by confession is entered on a stipulation or confession by a party best captures its essence.