Identity, not ink alone
Bates numbers should be data, not only a stamp.
A visible Bates range remains useful. A structured identity can also connect the document, matter, production set, revision, parent, source, custodian and exact-state hash.
| Field/capability | Status | Implementation boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Stable document ID | CURRENT | Canonical UD identity |
| Revision and parent relationship | CURRENT | UDR history |
| Exact-state hash | CURRENT | UDS verification |
| Matter/case ID | EXTENSION | Legal profile field; not a new core field |
| Production set and Bates range | COMMENSAL | Existing Bates utility; structured workflow is not standardized |
| Source/custodian | EXTENSION | Declared evidence metadata |
| External custody event | COMMENSAL | Evidence-room workflow with explicit actors |
| Court filing integration | PLANNED | No production court integration claimed |
No new UDR/UDS core field or seal algorithm is introduced here.