Why are unidentified bodies called John/Jane Doe?

Answer 1

John Doe was an old English name for plantiffs that couldn't be identfied. First used in legal books in 1695.

Americans continued using it and then modifed it for female Jane Doe and babies Baby Doe, then for all unitendified people dead or alive.

Answer 2

Unidentified bodies are called John / Jane Doe because at one time they were common names. Which means even though they are unidentified they still have an identity.

Answer 3

The phrase is older than you might think. "John Doe" dates from the reign of England's King Edward III (1312-1377). A famous legal document from this period labels a hypothetical landowner "John Doe," who leases land to a "Richard Roe," who then claims the land as his own and kicks out poor John.

The names don't have any particular relevance, other than the fact that a doe is a female deer, while a roe is a smaller species of deer. But the land dispute in question became a famous legal debate, and the names survived their circumstances.

The online legal dictionary FindLaw defines John Doe as a "party to legal proceedings (as a suspect) whose true name is unknown or withheld." The female equivalent is Jane Doe or Mary Major. A second male suspect is dubbed Richard Roe, and subsequent ones are referred to as John Stiles and Richard Miles.

Answer 4

Because no identifing photos or what not are found on the body. Thus they are called John Doe or Jane Doe until they are identified by dental records.... btw John and Jane are two extremely common names used from way back many many years ago.

Answer 5

Those are the first names you learn how to read in pre k, it's just easy to identify without all the dificulties.

Answer 6

Because it is easier to spell than Scharwzenigger

Answer 7

they don't want people even in death,not be known

Answer 8

because they dont know who they are