What information does a case number typically include?

The correct answer highlights that a case number typically includes a year prefix and a case type code. This structure is essential for organizing and categorizing cases within the court system. The year prefix allows for quick identification of when the case was filed, which is particularly useful in jurisdictions where the volume of cases can be high and tracking by year is necessary for reference. The case type code helps differentiate between various types of legal actions, such as civil, criminal, family, or probate cases, thus facilitating the efficient management of court records.

Having this information in the case number ensures that court personnel can easily retrieve and reference cases while maintaining an organized system for case management. Other options do not fully encompass the essential elements of a case number structure; for instance, mentioning only the last four digits of the year or focusing on the judge's name and year provides an incomplete view of how cases are systematically tracked.