John Doe Proceedings

"John Doe proceedings" are legal processes used when the identity of a defendant or participant is unknown or needs to be kept confidential. The name "John Doe" (or "Jane Doe") serves as a placeholder to initiate a case without revealing the person's true identity. This allows the legal system to proceed with investigations or lawsuits while efforts are made to identify the individual. Once the person is identified, the case can be updated or continued with their actual name. These procedures help address situations where anonymity is necessary for protection, safety, or legal strategy.