Pronunciation: [bˈe͡ɪts kˈə͡ʊdɪŋ] (IPA) 
Bates coding refers to a system of numbering and labeling documents used in the legal field. The IPA phonetic transcription of "Bates coding" is /beɪts ˈkoʊdɪŋ/. The "a" in "Bates" is pronounced as a long "a" sound, as in "bait." The "t" in "Bates" is pronounced with a strong aspiration. The "o" in "coding" is pronounced as a long "o" sound, as in "code." The stress is on the first syllable of both "Bates" and "coding."
Bates coding is a term primarily used in the legal field to refer to the process of assigning individual identifiers, known as Bates numbers, to each page of a document or set of documents. These unique identifiers are used for the purpose of organizing, tracking, and referring to specific pages in a legal case or document review process.
The Bates coding system was originally developed by the Bates Manufacturing Company, a prominent maker of office supplies and equipment. The purpose of implementing Bates coding is to ensure a systematic and efficient method of managing large volumes of documents, especially in legal proceedings where numerous documents need to be referenced and cited.
In practice, Bates coding involves applying a sequential numerical value, often accompanied by other elements such as alphanumeric prefixes, suffixes, or combination of characters, to each page of a document. This numbering scheme allows for easy identification and retrieval of specific pages when they are required for examination, presentation, or citation during litigation.
Bates coding is commonly used in the legal field for various purposes, including document review, discovery, and electronic litigation support. The use of Bates numbers helps to establish a standardized system for referencing and organizing documents, ensuring that parties involved in a legal matter can easily locate and reference specific pages in a quick and efficient manner.
Overall, Bates coding is an essential tool in legal document management, allowing for enhanced organization, tracking, and identification of individual pages in bulky document collections associated with litigation or legal proceedings.
The word "Bates coding" derives from the last name of its creator, Aaron Bates. Aaron Bates is a lawyer who developed the Bates coding system in the 1960s. This system was originally designed to uniquely identify and label documents within a legal case, making it easier to organize, track, and reference them during litigation. Over time, Bates coding has become a widely used term in the legal field and has also been adopted by various industries requiring document management and identification.
