Non Prosequitur

[Latin, He does not pursue, or follow up.] The name of a judgment rendered by a court against a plaintiff because he or she fails to take any necessary steps, in legal proceedings, within the period prescribed for such proceedings by the practice of court.

When a judgment of non prosequitur is entered against the plaintiff, he or she has failed to properly pursue the lawsuit and cannot subsequently obtain a judgment against the defendant. A failure of such nature would result in a dismissal of the action or in a default judgment in favor of the defendant.