What should the court decide if a company from State A sues a plumber from State B without adequate notice for a default judgment?

In this scenario, the court should deny the default judgment and require proper notice. In civil procedure, a fundamental principle is that parties must receive proper notice of any legal action against them, allowing them an opportunity to respond or defend themselves. The purpose of notice is to uphold the due process rights of the defendant, ensuring that they are aware of the claims being made and have the chance to present their side of the case.

When a company from one state sues a defendant in another state, there are specific procedural requirements for giving notice that must be followed. This includes serving the defendant in accordance with applicable rules, which often specify how and when notice must be delivered. If these requirements are not met, any judgment rendered — including a default judgment — could be considered invalid because due process has not been satisfied.

Thus, in cases where a defendant has not received adequate notice, the court is obligated to deny a motion for default judgment to protect the legal rights of the defendant. This decision aligns with the principles of fairness and justice in the legal process, ensuring that all parties have an equal opportunity to be heard.