Document Control Number
A unique identifier assigned to track documents in litigation, often combining the producing party prefix and a sequential number.
What You Need to Know
Document control numbers (DCNs) provide unique identifiers for tracking documents throughout discovery and trial. Typical format includes a party prefix (PLF, DEF, TP), production designation (PROD, CONF), and sequential number (00001-99999). For example: DEF-PROD-00001, PLF-CONF-00523. DCNs differ from Bates numbers in that they identify the document as a unit, whereas Bates numbers label individual pages. In large cases, DCNs may include additional codes for source (email, hard copy), privilege status, or document family relationships. Consistent DCN formatting across all parties is typically negotiated during Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 26(f) meet-and-confer conferences.
Legal References
- Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 26(f) - Meet and confer on discovery issues
Relevant Practice Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between document control numbers and Bates numbers?
Document control numbers identify entire documents as units (DEF-00001 for a 5-page email), while Bates numbers label individual pages (DEF-00001 through DEF-00005 for the same email). DCNs track documents in databases and case management systems—you search by DCN to find a specific document. Bates numbers allow precise citation to specific pages during testimony. Best practice: use both systems together. Assign one DCN per document family (email plus attachments), then apply Bates numbers to every page. This allows both document-level tracking and page-level citations during depositions and trial.
How should I format document control numbers for large productions?
Standard DCN format includes three components: (1) party prefix identifying the source (PLF, DEF, 3PTY), (2) optional production designation (PROD, CONF for confidential, PRIV for privileged), and (3) sequential numbers with leading zeros for sorting (00001, not 1). Use enough digits to accommodate expected volume—5 digits handles up to 99,999 documents, 6 digits handles up to 999,999. Example formats: DEF-PROD-00001 or PLAINTIFF-ESI-000523. Avoid special characters that cause database or e-discovery software problems. Document your numbering convention in ESI protocols during Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 26(f) conferences.
Can document control numbers be used to cite documents at trial?
Yes, but with limitations. Document control numbers precisely identify which document you reference (useful in motion practice and pretrial filings), but for trial testimony, also cite Bates page numbers for precision. When examining witnesses, reference both: "Please look at Document DEF-00234, specifically page DEF-00236" (DCN identifies the email, Bates number identifies the second page). This prevents confusion when documents have multiple pages. Some courts prefer Bates-only citations during trial for simplicity. Check local rules and judge preferences during pretrial conferences.
When It's Used
Facilitates document management in discovery and trial
Example
"DEF-PROD-00001 through DEF-PROD-15000 for defendant's document production."
Related Terms
Bates Numbering
A method of indexing legal documents by placing unique, sequential numbers on each page. Originally created by the Bates Automatic Numbering Machine.
Exhibit Stamp
A label or marking applied to documentary evidence to identify it during legal proceedings. Typically includes the exhibit number or letter, party designation, and sometimes the case name.
Sequential Labeling
Numbering or lettering exhibits in consecutive order (1, 2, 3... or A, B, C...) rather than by custom labels.
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