Legal Definitions - decree taken pro confesso

Definition: A decree taken pro confesso is a court order entered in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant fails to respond to the allegations in the plaintiff's bill. It is a type of default judgment in equity practice.

Example: If a defendant in an equity suit fails to answer the plaintiff's petition within the prescribed time period, the bill will be taken pro confesso, and a decree entered in favor of the plaintiff. For instance, if a plaintiff files a lawsuit against a defendant for breach of contract and the defendant fails to respond to the allegations, the court may enter a decree taken pro confesso in favor of the plaintiff.

This example illustrates how a decree taken pro confesso is a court order entered in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant fails to respond to the allegations in the plaintiff's bill. It is a way for the plaintiff to obtain a judgment in their favor when the defendant does not participate in the legal proceedings.