The heading section of a pleading that contains the names of the parties, the name of the court, the title of the action, the docket or file number, and the name of the pleading.

The heading section of a pleading that contains the names of the parties, the name of the court, the title of the action, the docket or file number, and the name of the pleading.

• A. Heading
• B. Title
• C. Docket
• D. Caption

Answer: (D)

The caption is the formal identification block at the top of a pleading that lists the names of the parties, the court, the title of the action, the docket or file number, and the name of the pleading. This is the best term because it precisely identifies the specific case and the document within the court’s records. The title of the pleading refers to the type of document (for example, Complaint or Answer) rather than the entire header. The docket or file number is part of the caption, but a docket refers more broadly to the court’s record of filings rather than the header itself. The heading is a general term for the top portion of a document, but the established legal term for that top element in pleadings is caption.

The caption is the formal identification block at the top of a pleading that lists the names of the parties, the court, the title of the action, the docket or file number, and the name of the pleading. This is the best term because it precisely identifies the specific case and the document within the court’s records. The title of the pleading refers to the type of document (for example, Complaint or Answer) rather than the entire header. The docket or file number is part of the caption, but a docket refers more broadly to the court’s record of filings rather than the header itself. The heading is a general term for the top portion of a document, but the established legal term for that top element in pleadings is caption.