Opinion ID: 2978290
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Motion for a Default Judgment

Text: Finally, the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Heard’s motion for a default judgment pursuant to FED . R. CIV . P. 55. The district court denied defendants’ motion to dismiss on August 22, 2006, but Masker did not file an answer until March 26, 2007. On April 2, 2007, Heard filed a motion for a default judgment, citing Masker’s failure to file a timely answer. The district court denied Heard’s motion on April 25, 2007, stating that “[d]efault was never entered in this case.” R. 165 (Order 4/25/07). “Prior to obtaining a default judgment under either Rule 55(b)(1) or Rule 55(b)(2), there must be an entry of default as provided by Rule 55(a).” 10A CHARLES ALAN WRIGHT ET AL., FEDERAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE § 2682, at 13 (3d ed. 1998). Rule 55(a) provides that “[w]hen a party against whom a judgment for affirmative relief is sought 22 has failed to plead or otherwise defend, and that failure is shown by affidavit or otherwise, the clerk must enter the party’s default.” FED . R. CIV . P. 55(a). Because Heard did not first seek entry of a default from the clerk of the court, it was procedurally improper for Heard to move for entry of a default judgment.