Why is "John Doe" used to refer to unidentified people? Anyone who has read a detective novel or seen a cops-and-robbers movie has heard the name "John Doe" used to describe an unidentified or unidentifiable victim or suspect.
As early as the 18th century, the name "John Doe" was used in British courts to represent imaginary tenants being evicted from land whose ownership was ambiguous or disputed. John Doe as well as Jane Doe is still used in North American courts whenever a person is unknown, or cannot be named in order to protect their privacy.
As early as the 18th century, the name "John Doe" was used in British courts to represent imaginary tenants being evicted from land whose ownership was ambiguous or disputed. John Doe as well as Jane Doe is still used in North American courts whenever a person is unknown, or cannot be named in order to protect their privacy.
February 4, 2009 at 11:08 AM
hahaha i dunno kitty. i never really wondered. but thanks for the info, u are very inquisitive.