“...city officials didn’t appear for the court hearing...”
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I don’t know the details of this case, but in situations such as this a “summary judgement” against the party not showing up is usually appropriate. Of course, maybe that doesn’t apply to our government employee overlords.
My thought also, unless “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is to Philadelphia as “Portlandia” is to Portland, OR...
For some odd reason summary judgment is not used as often as it used to be. I hear about court cases all the time where one party doesn’t show up and the court just changes the date. The cases I know about are mostly divorces but some drag on forever because one side just doesn’t show up and the court reschedules. Maybe it is just happening here, but I remember when not showing up meant you lost.