When a respondent has failed to answer a charge at a hearing as provided by § 20-13-39 the Commission of Human Rights may enter his default. For good cause shown, the commission may set aside an entry of default within ten days after the date of the entry. If the respondent is in default, the commission may proceed to hear testimony adduced upon behalf of the charging party. After hearing testimony, the commission may enter any order the evidence warrants.

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 20-13-41

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.

Source: SL 1972, ch 11, § 11 (9); SL 1981, ch 166, § 17.