Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 22 : —CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDUREPRELIMINARY PROVISIONS — Action TEXT PDF An action is an ordinary proceeding in a court of justice by which one party prosecutes another for the declaration, enforcement, or protection of a right, the redress or prevention of a wrong, or the punishment of a public offense. Ca. Civ. Proc. Code § 22 Amended by Stats. 1933, Ch. 742.