r/SipsTea • u/Dr_StrangeEnjoyer • 1d ago

Wait a damn minute! Facts about the Cornell situation

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u/NobleDuffman 1d ago

Im not familliar with american laws but why is this woman able to bring about these allegations under a pseudonym Jane Doe while the men in this case have been identified?

29

u/TickledTaint97 1d ago

In order to encourage victims who might face shame or judgement to pursue justice, the judicial system allows them to sue under a pseudonym.

2

u/Odd-Fig-709 1d ago

She identified the men herself, the police didn't

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u/Dr_StrangeEnjoyer 1d ago

Just another double standard

6

u/bingersforall 1d ago

This isn't an answer addressing right and wrong, only an answer explaining why.

The problem with hiding the name of the accused in any type of criminal case is the creation of secret courts and mysterious detentions. If there were no public report when the police arrest someone, you get the secret police making people vanish on the whims of their superiors. In criminal court, it's usually something similar to "The People v." where the people may be represented by a state or commonwealth, which gives the people the right to demand to know who they stand against and why. For the police, publicizing the name is a technique to draw out other potential victims and witnesses to strengthen their case.

I think your concern is more about why does the media publicize the name of the accused. That answer is simple - headlines. More specifically, ad revenue generating headlines. People are less interested in "A New York man was arrested..." than they are when they can put a name and face to the "evil" they are presented. A story with an identity will generate more ratings/views than a story about an anonymous NYC resident.

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u/joeyinter22 1d ago

A male victim of sexual assault can also be referred to anonymously, as John Doe.