<P> The term is sometimes used in lawsuits in Ireland and the United States; see, for example McKeogh v. John Doe and Uber Technologies, Inc. v. Doe I . </P> <P> The term John Doe or Jane Doe is used in US police investigations when the identity of the victim (s) is unknown or incorrect . </P> <P> The names "John Doe" and "Richard Roe," along with "John Roe" or "Doo" were regularly invoked in English legal instruments to satisfy technical requirements governing standing and jurisdiction, beginning perhaps as early as the reign of England's King Edward III (1327--1377). </P> <P> Other fictitious names for a person involved in litigation under English law were John - Noakes, or John Noakes / Nokes and John - a-Stiles / John Stiles . </P>

Where does the saying john doe come from