Joinder: representative actions.

Under existing law, if the consent of any person who should have been joined as a plaintiff cannot be obtained, that person may be made a defendant, and the complaint shall state the reason. Existing law authorizes one or more persons to sue or defend for the benefit of all if the question is one of a common or general interest of many persons, or if the parties are numerous and it is impracticable to bring them all before the court. The Consumers Legal Remedies Act permits a consumer who suffers any damage as a result of certain commercial practices to bring an action on the behalf of other consumers similarly situated, pursuant to specified procedures.