What happens if a defendant's claim is dismissed due to non-attendance at a conference?

When a defendant's claim is dismissed due to non-attendance at a conference, the correct outcome is that the plaintiff can proceed without the defendant. This is rooted in the procedural rules that allow a court to continue with a case when a party fails to participate.

In litigation, conferences are often set to encourage settlements or to clarify the issues before the court. If one party, in this case, the defendant, fails to attend such a conference, the court may interpret that absence as an unwillingness to defend the case. Consequently, the plaintiff is permitted to move forward with their claims, potentially leading to a default judgment if the defendant fails to respond or appears in subsequent proceedings.

This aspect is crucial as it maintains the efficiency of the court system and ensures that cases can be resolved even if one side does not engage in the process.