What does the docket number identify?

The docket number is crucial for identifying a specific case within the legal system. It serves as a unique identifier assigned to a case upon its filing, allowing courts and involved parties to efficiently track and reference the case throughout its proceedings. This number ensures that all documents, hearings, and events related to that case are properly organized and linked, reducing confusion and maintaining accurate records in the court system.

While the other options may relate to aspects of a legal case, they do not accurately describe the primary purpose of the docket number. The judge assigned to a case, the lawyer representing the defendant, and the location of the trial can all vary or change, but the docket number remains a consistent identifier for each specific case.