If asked, would you join a lawsuit as a “John Doe”?
Recently I was asked that question by a registrant who was in the process of having to consider just that.
It seems sort of fickle that we’re at a point where registrants are encouraged to come out of the shadows, to stand up and speak up to get laws changed, but at that same time they’re often anonymous “John Doe’s” in lawsuits fighting against registry rules.
From the gist of what I’ve read, modern lawsuits revealing the identity of plaintiffs is common practice since defendants have the right to know their accusers. However, in more recent years, some plaintiffs have requested that their names be withheld from proceedings in order to prevent retaliation by the defendant or social repercussions that would dilute the value of the suit’s success. Plaintiffs want assurance that they will be protected from any potential embarrassment, annoyance, injury, harm or oppression that might result if their names were divulged in court proceedings.
So, the question becomes, as a John Doe, are you assured protection, anonymity? Can you be guaranteed that your name doesn’t end up splattered over the front page of the local newspaper?
It’s been said that the only two things assured are death and taxes. So, no, there’s no guarantees.
When it comes to their names being exposed in the news, registrants have lots to lose, jobs, families, housing, friends. There are concerns, maybe not necessarily of retaliation, but of harassment, by registry officials, probation/parole, law enforcement and others. Those kinds of things aren’t “supposed” to happen, but we know the potential for them to happen is real.
But there’s also much to be gained from joining in these type lawsuits. These are where changes are being made, this is where the fight for registrant’s rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is taking place.
So, if asked to be a “John Doe”, do you take the chance?
It was easy for me to say “If not you, then who?”” Somebody has to do it”. “Why not you?”
But I’m not a registrant, I’m only the concerned bystander. The possible upheaval in life that might accompany this decision wouldn’t be mine to shoulder.
So, no, there’s no easy answer. You weigh the positives that you and other registrants might gain against the negatives that may cause personal pain. You make your own choice.
But, to all those “John Doe’s” who have gone before us, who had the courage to step up, who put their personal lives on the line knowing that doing so could bring a whole lot of unnecessary grief into their world……thank you, from all of us.
Too often we have a “let somebody else do it” mentality. Personally, I never gave these type lawsuits much thought, never stopped to fully appreciate the personal risks that “John Doe’s” take, not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of all registrants.
May we all gain that kind of courage.
Actually…. yes no LIE (and moderators can cross check with Janice…) I am One of the JOHN Doe’s that was in the lawsuit against the city of San Diego… I did it for the point of the lawsuit there wasnt a monetary thing…… and its great the City of San Diego LOST ! Without John Does its hard to fight stuff. I did it because our government is PURE FUCKING EVIL….. Our government doesnt like other countries that have done bad things against the people (Germany… other places that did chem weapons against citizens etc.)… But what does ours do ? PUBLIC SHAMING… again pure fucking EVIL !! We have to stand up weather you oppose a bill or join a lawsuit… Our government needs to be STOPPED or eliminated all together, they STEAL $$ from the people, they tax us to no end, they even STOP our travels by making up shit or saying enough minimal crap without backing it up as to what REALLY Happened and we cant travel outside the borders. This is 2020 fight against the machine. !!! We are lucky we have people like Janice to help us…. as MOST dont wanna be associated with a RSO because of this EVIL LABEL the LAME US Govt put on us… You dont see a registry for DV or ROBBERY or 187’s etc… do you ? They do it for political gain and they should be DELETED from government and banned. One day at a time janice helps us. It may take a lifetime but we need a VOICE as CRAP GOVT doesnt quit….. I HATE THE USA !!!!
On a ironic note… my 290 case… well my ‘so called’ victim is in prison now ! and has to REGISTER… I dont like to talk bad about our group, but the fuck deserves it all his lies in court at the prelim etc… Funny thing is he now has MORE time and LONGER Supervision thn I had ! has to PAY for prob, poly, classes, fines even MEDICAL ! and that will cost him a LOT as he has HIV now !… I guess its called K A R M A !!
ACSOL thanks the many people who have agreed to serve as plaintiffs in almost 100 lawsuits. Some of those people, such as Frank Lindsay, allowed us to use his real name while others did not. Both positions are understandable. Please know that in 100 percent of the cases in which we used “pseudonyms”, the real names of the plaintiffs were never revealed to the public. The only case in which the name of a plaintiff became an issue involved the City of Santa Ana and a federal judge. After that judge demanded the name of the plaintiff, we dismissed the case. We later filed a similar case in state court with a different plaintiff against the City of Santa Ana and achieved the same objective, that is, repeal of presence restrictions which prohibited all registrants from visiting or even being within 300 feet of public places such as schools and parks.
I’m off parole in less than 60 days. I’ll join any lawsuit that’s necessary to make changes.
Oh! Oh! I wanna be a John Doe! 🤗
I would be more than willing to join any lawsuit against the registry and the fools that vote for it.
KAT, Kat, Kat thank You for your enlightening encouraging and gleam or rather light at the end of the Tunnel.
Your articles are so thought provoking and caring at the same time. Look what this article did, it sure got RC’s talking and putting it out there for forward and eleven Janice responded (she sure reads alot on the site of the community’s comments- great to get her responses- Happy Int Women’s Day to you both including Tara and group W.A.R.). PLEASE Keep Writing as each article sure hits home for so many here and non RC’s as well as Family members alike. They read.
Thank you to You and of course Janice. The lives you both impact especially all the court suits and cases are profound and costly. You both pay so much in travel costs and time. So many enjoyed Berk Saturday!
These RC’s that resp including @Jeff,
have responded here well including those on suits and his SD suitor.
It is good to hear feedback if we like it or not.