28 U.S.C. § 1874 : US Code - Section 1874: Actions on bonds and specialties

Search 28 U.S.C. § 1874 : US Code - Section 1874: Actions on bonds and specialties

In all actions to recover the forfeiture annexed to any articles
of agreement, covenant, bond, or other specialty, wherein the
forfeiture, breach, or nonperformance appears by default or
confession of the defendant, the court shall render judgment for
the plaintiff for such amount as is due. If the sum is uncertain,
it shall, upon request of either party, be assessed by a jury.