What would happen if I refused to give the police my name?

Question

I'm intrigued, a friend of mine and myself have an ongoing argument as to what would happen if, when questioned by the police and with no form of prior, visual, other information, fingerprint or anything at all available to them to identify you, you refused to give any details whatsoever. We do recognise that you'd be 'arrested' for obstruction of justice but could you be brought to trial in the UK? (as technically speaking all uk cases are 'Her Majesty vs. [NAME]' and without a name could they take you to prosecution). Also, could they create some form of criminal record for you? This is all asusming that you did something worthy of more than a basic arrest.

Forgot to mention that we're not planning to do this and this is truly a hypothetical question

Answer 1

A name must be given to the policeman for identification when properly requested.

Answer 2

In the U.S. they can arrest you and charge you without a name . . . hence the term "John Doe." Most states (all to my knowledge) require you (by law) to carry a legal form of identification.

Answer 3

You will be held in custody until your identity can be proven. Usually done through finger printing. You will continuously be charged with more and more crimes until your identity is proven, and yes, you can be held indefinitely, until they find out who you are; "presumably i can't be held indefinitely or forced to give my name under torture." You can't be tortured, no, but you can be held forever until you give your identity. it's a crime alone to conceal your identity, but every time you go to your arraignment, you'll be charged in contempt of court each time... After about 12 of those charges you'll probably decide to give up your identity.

Answer 4

I believe you could be held as a "John Doe" and would be presented as such. Keep in mind this is purely speculation on my part. An interesting scenario though.