Summonses, sentences and courts orders

A summons is an official order to appear in court. The court hearing following a summons usually results in a sentence (district court) or a court decree (Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Other cases conclude with a settlement or are withdrawn. 

Sentence in absentia: a sentence in a court case where the defendant does not appear in court or no case is presented in his/her defence. This normally means the claim is sustained.

Judgement in defended action: the court’s decision in a case where the defendant appears in court.