USA v. Mead et al

Filing 11

ORDER construing pltf's present motion 10 as one for entry of default by the Clerk, the motion is hereby referred to the Clerk for consideration; if a clerk's default is entered, pltf may then seek default judgment pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P.55(b). Signed by Judge Susan Webber Wright on 5/3/11. (vjt)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
WESTERN DIVISION

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plaintiff
V.
SAMUEL A. MEAD and LOLA
MEAD, Husband and Wife; RONALD
E. GADDIE and BARBARA R.
GADDIE, husband and wife
Defendants

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

NO: 4:10cv00321 SWW

ORDER
Before the Court is Plaintiff’s application for a clerk’s entry of default and for a default
judgment (docket entry #10).1 Rule 55 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure contemplates a
two step process for the entry of default judgments. First, pursuant to Rule 55(a), the party
seeking a default judgment must have the Clerk enter the default by submitting the required
proof that the opposing party has failed to plead or otherwise defend. Second, pursuant to
Fed.R.Civ.P. 55(b), the moving party may seek entry of judgment on the default under either
subdivision (b)(1) or (b)(2) of the rule. See Dahl v. Kanawha Inv. Holding Co., 161 F.R.D. 673,
683 (N. D. Iowa 1995). “Entry of default under Rule 55(a) must precede grant of a default

1

Although the title indicates that Plaintiff seeks both entry of default by the Clerk and a
default judgment, Plaintiff does not specifically request a Clerk’s entry of default in the prayer
for relief or the body of the motion.

judgment under Rule 55(b)." See Johnson v. Dayton Elec. Mfg. Co., 140 F.3d 781, 783 (8th
Cir.1998); see also Hagen v. Sisseton-Wahpeton Community College, 205 F.3d 1040, 1042 (8th
Cir.2000) (citing Johnson for this requirement).
Here, the Court construes the present motion as one for entry of default by the
Clerk and hereby refers the motion to the Clerk for consideration. In the event that a
clerk’s default is entered, Plaintiff may then seek default judgment pursuant to Fed. R.
Civ. P. 55(b).
IT IS SO ORDERED THIS 3rd DAY OF MAY, 2011.

/s/Susan Webber Wright
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

2