When is the docket number assigned in a federal case?

When is the docket number assigned in a federal case?

• A. When the case is closed
• B. When the complaint is filed
• C. At the first hearing
• D. At the filing of the answer

Answer: (B)

When a federal civil case is opened, the clerk assigns a docket number to identify the case in the court’s records. This happens at the time the civil action is commenced by filing the complaint, which starts the case and creates the docket entry. The docket number then appears on the complaint and all future filings and orders. It is not given when the case is closed, nor at the first hearing, nor at the filing of the answer—the latter occurs after the case has already been opened and assigned its docket number.

When a federal civil case is opened, the clerk assigns a docket number to identify the case in the court’s records. This happens at the time the civil action is commenced by filing the complaint, which starts the case and creates the docket entry. The docket number then appears on the complaint and all future filings and orders. It is not given when the case is closed, nor at the first hearing, nor at the filing of the answer—the latter occurs after the case has already been opened and assigned its docket number.