why do we call unidentified dead people Jane or John Doe?

Question

Update:

I know what it is ...what is the origin? i get the john or jane part...why DOE?

Answer 1

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The name "John Doe" is used as a placeholder name for a male party, in a legal action, case or discussion, whose true identity is either unknown or must be withheld for legal reasons. The name is also used to refer to a male corpse or hospital patient whose identity is unknown.

Jane is for the female