It is the policy of the state that a plaintiff shall proceed with reasonable diligence in the prosecution of an action but that all parties shall cooperate in bringing the action to trial or other disposition. Except as otherwise provided by statute or by rule of court adopted pursuant to statute, the policy favoring the right of parties to make stipulations in their own interests and the policy favoring trial or other disposition of an action on the merits are generally to be preferred over the policy that requires dismissal for failure to proceed with reasonable diligence in the prosecution of an action in construing the provisions of this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1705, Sec. 5.)

Terms Used In California Code of Civil Procedure 583.130

  • Action: includes an action commenced by cross-complaint or other pleading that asserts a cause of action or claim for relief. See California Code of Civil Procedure 583.110
  • Court: means the court in which the action is pending. See California Code of Civil Procedure 583.110
  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
  • State: includes the District of Columbia and the territories when applied to the different parts of the United States, and the words "United States" may include the district and territories. See California Code of Civil Procedure 17
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
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