§ 48. Proceedings on return of summons; answer; judgment by default. At the time and place specified in the summons for the return thereof, in a court not of record, issue must be joined, if both parties appear, by the defendant filing with the justice a verified answer, containing a general denial of each allegation of the complaint, or a specific denial of one or more of the material allegations thereof; or any other matter constituting a defense to the lien or to the claim upon which it is founded. If the defendant fail to appear on the return-day, on proof by affidavit of the service of the summons and complaint, judgment may be rendered for the amount claimed, with costs.

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Terms Used In N.Y. Lien Law 48

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Allegation: something that someone says happened.
  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Lien: A claim against real or personal property in satisfaction of a debt.
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.