§ 48. Proceedings on return of summons; answer; judgment by default.
At the time and place specified in the summons for the return thereof,
in a court not of record, issue must be joined, if both parties appear,
by the defendant filing with the justice a verified answer, containing a
general denial of each allegation of the complaint, or a specific denial
of one or more of the material allegations thereof; or any other matter
constituting a defense to the lien or to the claim upon which it is
founded. If the defendant fail to appear on the return-day, on proof by
affidavit of the service of the summons and complaint, judgment may be
rendered for the amount claimed, with costs.