“Jane Doe” is a placeholder name commonly used in legal proceedings, court documents, or criminal investigations to refer to an unidentified female individual. Similarly, “John Doe” is used for unidentified male individuals. These names are used to preserve the anonymity of individuals involved in legal cases or to represent hypothetical or unknown persons. In some cases, the name “Jane Doe” may be used to refer to a specific anonymous or unidentified person, such as a victim of a crime whose identity is unknown or a plaintiff in a lawsuit who wishes to remain anonymous. The use of placeholder names like Jane Doe is intended to protect the privacy and rights of individuals while allowing legal proceedings to proceed effectively.
- a fictitious name used for a possible female defendant who is unknown at the time a complaint is filed to start a lawsuit.
- the temporary fictitious name given to an unidentified hospitalized or dead woman.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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