When entering default judgment under r 21.03, the character of the claim must be determined by careful scrutiny of the pleading. A claim expressed in the language of 'loss and damage suffered by reason of the defendants' conduct' is a claim for damages, not debt, even if a precise sum is specified. Final judgment for a fixed sum can only be entered where the claim is properly characterised as one for recovery of a debt. Pleaders who anticipate the possibility of default judgment should ensure debt claims are clearly pleaded with all requisite elements including event of default, demand, failure to pay, and a prayer for relief identifying the sum as a debt due under the relevant instrument.
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