Which of the following best describes a "caption" in legal documents?

A "caption" in legal documents refers specifically to the heading on a pleading or other legal filings that provides essential information about the case. This typically includes details such as the names of the parties involved, the court where the case is being filed, and the title of the document, which helps identify the purpose of the filing. The caption serves as a crucial introduction to the legal document, establishing its context within the broader legal framework.

Understanding the purpose of a caption is important for legal professionals because it facilitates the organization and identification of documents within case files, ensuring that all parties involved are readily aware of the relevant details at a glance. In contrast, other options describe different aspects of legal documents: a summary of a court case provides an overview of the proceedings, a judge’s final decision is the outcome of the case, and a list of evidence encompasses the materials submitted during a trial. Hence, the heading provided in the caption is vital for distinguishing various papers in the legal process.