Part 2, Title 8, Chapter 1.5, Article 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure deals with discretionary dismissal for delay in the prosecution of civil actions.
Section 583.410 authorizes the court to dismiss an action for delay in prosecution pursuant to this article on its own motion or on motion of the defendant if to do so appears to the court appropriate under the circumstances of the case.
Section 583.420 provides that the court may not dismiss an action pursuant to this article for delay in prosecution, except after one of the three conditions has occurred.
Section 583.430 provides that, in a proceeding for dismissal of an action pursuant to this article for delay in prosecution, the court in its discretion may require as a condition of granting or denial of dismissal that the parties comply with the terms as appear to the court proper to effectuate substantial justice. The court may make any order necessary to effectuate the authority provided in this section.