John Doe

Factual Questions
#1

HELP!!!
This is a serious question…

I’m trying to find the origin of the term “John Doe” being used as being everyman, or why it is used as the name of unknown persons?

Thank you,

Tech Teacher

#2

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_168a.html

#3

Don’t overlook followup thread at
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=138266&highlight=john%2Bdoe%2Bstraightdope

#4

Further discussion here.