Not more than one judgment on the merits with respect to any violation may be obtained under Sections 91004 and 91005. Actions brought for the same violation or violations shall have precedence for purposes of trial in order of the time filed. Such actions shall be dismissed once judgment has been entered or a settlement approved by the court in a previously filed action. The court may dismiss a pending action without prejudice to any other action for failure of the plaintiff to proceed diligently and in good faith. The action may be so dismissed on motion of the civil prosecutor or any plaintiff in an action based on the same violation.

(Added June 4, 1974, by initiative Proposition 9.)

Terms Used In California Government Code 91008

  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.