California Codes, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP, Part 2 — Of Civil Actions, Title 3 — Of the Parties to Civil Actions, Chapter 5 — Permissive Joinder, Section 382
If the consent of any one who should have been joined as plaintiff cannot be obtained, he may be made a defendant, the reason thereof being stated in the complaint; and when the question is one of a common or general interest, of many persons, or when the parties are numerous, and it is impracticable to bring them all before the court, one or more may sue or defend for the benefit of all.
Notes
Allows a person who should have joined as a plaintiff but will not consent to be named as a defendant if the complaint states the reason. Also allows one or more persons to sue or defend for everyone when a common or general interest exists or the parties are too numerous to bring all before the court.
Use as reference
Lexinter.net | California Code, Code of Civil Procedure - CCP § 382 | https://laws.lexinter.net/codes/california/code-of-civil-procedure/part-2/title-3/chapter-5/section-382