Legal Definitions - case number

A case number is a unique identification code assigned to a legal dispute or proceeding the moment it is officially submitted to a court. This distinct number serves as a primary reference point, enabling the court system to efficiently organize, track, and differentiate every legal matter filed within its jurisdiction from all others.

Here are some examples of how a case number is used:

• Civil Lawsuit: Imagine a small business owner files a lawsuit against a supplier for breach of contract. When the owner submits the complaint to the court clerk, the court immediately assigns a unique case number, perhaps something like "CV-2024-00789." This specific number will then appear on all subsequent documents, court orders, and communications related to that particular contract dispute, ensuring it is clearly distinguished from every other civil case in that court.

  This illustrates how a case number provides a singular identifier for a new civil action, allowing all parties and the court to refer to that specific legal matter without confusion.

• Criminal Prosecution: When a prosecutor formally charges an individual with a crime, such as felony assault, the criminal court assigns a unique case number to that specific prosecution, for example, "CR-2023-12345." This number will be used on the indictment, during all court appearances, in bail hearings, and ultimately on any sentencing documents, ensuring that this particular assault case is not mixed up with any other criminal proceedings in the same courthouse.

  This illustrates how a case number is crucial for tracking a specific criminal charge through the justice system, from filing to resolution.

• Family Law Matter: A couple decides to file for divorce and submits their petition to the family court. The court clerk assigns a unique case number, such as "DR-2024-00056," to their divorce proceedings. This number will be used by both spouses, their attorneys, and the court to refer specifically to their divorce, child custody arrangements, and property division, keeping it distinct from all other family law cases being handled by the court.

  This illustrates how a case number provides a unique reference for sensitive personal legal matters, ensuring privacy and accurate record-keeping within the court system.