What is assigned to every case by the court?

The docket number is a unique identifier assigned to every case by the court, which serves several essential purposes within the judicial system. It helps to organize and track cases as they progress through court processes. Each docket number is specific to a case and allows court clerks, attorneys, and interested parties to locate the case quickly within the court's records.

By assigning a docket number, courts can maintain a systematic workflow, ensuring that each case is efficiently managed and accessible for further proceedings, motions, or appeals. This number assists in facilitating communication about the case across various departments and jurisdictions, making it a crucial element of the court's administrative functions.

In contrast, a case file contains all documents and evidence related to a case, but it is not assigned at the same level of specificity or as a unique identifier like a docket number. Court orders refer to specific rulings or directives issued by a judge regarding a case, and citation references typically relate to the formal documenting of legal texts or precedents, rather than serving as a case identifier.