turano@silver.DEC (Tom Turano DTN 231- [Office 4735, Lab 6978]) (08/06/84)
According to Black's Law Dictionary 5th edition, " The name "John Doe" is, and for some centuries has been, used in legal proceedings as a fictitious name to designate a party until his real name can be ascertained. State v. Rossignol, 22 Wash.2d 19, 153 P.2d 882, 885" Perhaps if those who are interested in its origin look up State versus Rossignol in the 2nd series of West's Pacific Reporter vol 153 pages 882 and 885, you might find a reference, since its usage is probably explained in the court's decision. Tom Turano Laboratory Data Products Digital Equipment Corporation path: decvax!decwrl!rhea!gold!turano