The failure to perform some action required by law within a specified time may result in a?

The correct choice is related to the concept of "default" in the context of civil procedure. When a party fails to perform a required action, such as not responding to a complaint or failing to appear in court within a specified timeframe, that party is said to be in default. In legal terms, default signifies that the court can proceed with judgment against the defaulting party without their participation. This can have serious implications, as it can lead to losing a case by default judgment, where the court rules in favor of the other party simply because the defaulting party did not fulfill their obligations.

The other options represent different legal consequences that may arise from various situations. Forfeiture typically involves the loss of some right or property due to a failure to comply with legal obligations but does not specifically pertain to the failure to act within a court's timeframe. Penalties usually involve fines or other forms of punishment, often linked to violations of law outside the context of civil procedure. Suspension generally refers to the temporary halting of a right or privilege, rather than a consequence of failing to meet a legal deadline. Therefore, default most accurately captures the consequences of failing to act as required by law within a specified time.