Continental Pacific Lines v. Superior Court

Two actions were begun in the respondent court, in each of which the plaintiffs sought to recover damages for personal injuries alleged to have been negligently inflicted. The actions were consolidated for trial. In each certain defendants moved for dismissal under section 583 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the statute which requires trial within five years from the date an action is begun. Respondent court denied both motions, and the moving parties have petitioned this court for a writ of mandate directing the respondent court to dismiss the actions. Both petitions have been presented…