Lawsuit Privacy | Can I File a Lawsuit as Jane Doe? - Plakas Mannos

Recent headlines about high-profile cases, such as those involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, have brought attention to the concept of filing lawsuits under pseudonyms like "Jane Doe." But what does it actually mean to file as a Jane Doe, and can you do it in Ohio?  

In Ohio, courts generally require people to use their real names in lawsuits. This practice upholds the principle of open judicial proceedings, ensuring transparency and accountability in our legal system. However, in certain exceptional circumstances, someone may be permitted to proceed under a pseudonym such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe” to protect their privacy and prevent harm.  

Why Do People File an Anonymous Lawsuit?

Filing an anonymous lawsuit is often sought by individuals who want to protect their identities due to the sensitive or deeply personal nature of their lawsuits. These reasons can include:  

• Privacy Concerns: Cases involving sexual assault, harassment, or abuse often involve disclosing details of the “utmost intimacy.” Victims may seek to shield themselves from public scrutiny or the potential emotional harm caused by widespread public knowledge of these experiences.  

• Safety Risks: Plaintiffs may fear retaliation or harassment if their identities are revealed, especially in cases involving powerful defendants, whistleblowing, or contentious/controversial matters.  

• Professional Reputation: Certain cases, such as those involving workplace harassment, could expose plaintiffs to professional or reputational harm if their identities are made public.  

What is the Public Policy Argument in Favor of Naming Plaintiffs?  

While there are valid reasons for allowing anonymity in specific cases, public policy generally favors openness in judicial proceedings. The presumption of transparency serves several purposes:  

• Accountability: Publicly naming plaintiffs and defendants ensures that all parties are accountable for their claims and defenses.  

• Public Confidence: Open courts help maintain trust in the judicial system by demonstrating that justice is being administered fairly and without bias.  

• Deterrence: Public proceedings can deter frivolous lawsuits or abuse of the legal process.  

Balancing these competing interests is a challenge for courts when deciding whether to allow a plaintiff to file under a pseudonym. 

The Risks of Filing as Jane Doe Without Court Permission  

Attempting to file as a Jane Doe without obtaining court approval can have serious consequences. If you want to file a Jane Doe Complaint, you should first request permission to proceed under a pseudonym. If this permission is not granted and the plaintiff continues to file anonymously, the case may be dismissed on procedural grounds.  

When Will a Court Allow a Jane Doe Filing?  

In Ohio, it is the exception, not the rule, to allow a Jane Doe filing. Courts weigh a variety of factors to determine whether a plaintiff’s privacy interests substantially outweigh the presumption of open judicial proceedings, and that because of these privacy interests, the plaintiff should be permitted to proceed anonymously. These factors include:   

1. Challenging Governmental Activity: If the plaintiff is suing to challenge governmental activity or to address state-sanctioned actions, the court may grant anonymity, as the case may implicate broader issues of public interest. 
    
2. Intimate Information Disclosure: Courts will consider whether the lawsuit requires the plaintiff to disclose information of “the utmost intimacy.” In sexual assault cases, this can include details about the assault, trauma, or other private aspects of the victim’s life. 
    
3. Risk of Criminal Prosecution: If the case forces the plaintiff to disclose intentions to break the law or disclose personal conduct that could lead to criminal prosecution, this could weigh in favor of anonymity.  
   
   
4. Children as Plaintiffs: Courts are particularly sensitive to the privacy needs of children involved in litigation. If the plaintiff is a minor, anonymity is more likely to be granted to protect their welfare and dignity.

These factors collectively provide a framework for courts to balance privacy against the presumption of open court proceedings. While the law favors transparency, it acknowledges that in some extremely sensitive cases, like sexual assault, the privacy concerns of victims take precedence.  

Talk to the Experts When it Comes to Lawsuit Privacy 

At Plakas Mannos, we understand that certain cases require an extraordinary level of sensitivity. For more information about your legal options and our determined but compassionate approach to our clients, learn more about our law firm. Whether you have a privacy class action or other lawsuit pertaining to privacy, let us help you navigate your legal journey with care and confidence.  Contact Plakas Mannos today. 

Meet the Author

Elisabeth Jackson is an associate attorney with our firm and her areas of practice include personal injury, wrongful death, criminal law, and general litigation.