These remedies are divided into two classes: 1. Actions; and, 2. Special proceedings.
§ 21.Division of judicial remedies into classes
Preliminary Provisions · Enacted 1872 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 21 divides the judicial remedies Section 20 defines into two classes: actions, which Section 22 defines, and special proceedings, which Section 23 defines.
Full Text of § 21
Plain-English Summary
Section 21 takes the judicial remedies Section 20 just defined and splits them into two classes: actions, and special proceedings.
Sections 22 and 23 define each class in turn — an action is one specific type of proceeding, and everything else that counts as a judicial remedy falls into the special-proceeding category by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two classes of judicial remedies under the Code of Civil Procedure?
Section 21 divides them into actions and special proceedings.
Is there a third class of judicial remedy besides actions and special proceedings?
No. Section 21 divides judicial remedies into exactly two classes.
Amendment History
Enacted 1872.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: classes of judicial remedies CaliforniaCCP section 21