What does a Bates stamp signify in legal documents?

A Bates stamp is a sequential numbering system used in legal documents, specifically to organize and index large volumes of documents such as evidence in a court case or exhibits. By applying a unique number or code to each page, the Bates numbering facilitates easy reference and retrieval, ensuring that all parties involved in a legal matter can efficiently track and identify specific documents. This system also helps in maintaining the integrity of the document flow and can prevent alterations or misplacements of pages during the legal process.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of a Bates stamp. The stamp does not indicate a judge's approval, show the date of filing, or act as a seal of confidentiality. Each of these functions pertains to different aspects of legal documentation but does not align with the specific purpose of Bates numbering.