If a respondent fails to answer a properly served complaint then the petitioner can move for default judgment — essentially finding for the petitioner.
BUT (and Russ knows this) the petitioner still has to demonstrate that they have a valid claim to which they are entitled relief, and that the facts and circumstances support their claim.
They don’t have to meet the same standards they would have to meet in a trial, but their case must be at least plausible on its face.
In Russ’ case, for one he doesn’t have a claim. He’s alleging negligence, but to prove negligence you first have to establish that the other party had a duty to you. Of course, we all know that Taylor Swift has no duty to accept a gift, go on a date, fall in love with Russ, etc — so nothing else even needs to be considered (actually the exact words the first Swift judge told him when explaining the elements of negligence).
Beyond that, he probably didn’t serve her correctly. He served some error-ridden form on a receptionist of a law firm which may or may not still represent Swift.
But in any case, even if he did serve her properly, the court wouldn’t enter default judgment because he hasn’t stated a valid claim under which a court (at least in this plane of existence) would grant relief — not $1 or $100 million.
AnOnimous knows civ pro better so he can fill in the gaps.
