Delaware Code Title 10. Courts and Judicial Procedure § 9537. Failure of defendant to appear;  adjournment or judgment by default

(1) By the clerk.--When the plaintiff's claim is (i) based upon a written instrument from which the defendant's agreement to pay the amount claimed can be determined from the face of the instrument or from calculations therefrom or (ii) for a civil penalty payable to the State or any subdivision thereof, a mandatory dollar amount of which is specified by statute, the clerk, upon written application of the plaintiff and upon affidavit of the amount due, giving credit for any payments and showing the amounts and dates thereof and a computation of any applicable interest to the date of judgment, may enter judgment for that amount and costs against the defendant.

(2) By the Court.--When entry of judgment may not be made by the clerk pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section or when the Court, in its discretion, determines that entry of the default judgment should be made by the Court, the Court may enter the judgment.  When entered by the Court, the Court may make investigation into and determine the amount of damages properly due.  If in order to enable the Court to enter judgment, carry it into effect, or determine the amount of damages, it is necessary to establish the truth of any averment by evidence or to make an investigation of any matter, the Court may conduct such hearings or order such references as it deems necessary and proper.