California · Penal Code

PEN §293.5: (a) Except as provided in Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 1054) of Part 2 of Title 7, or for cases in which the alleged victim of a sex offense, as specified in subdivision (f) of Section 293, has

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Courts may use a pseudonym (Jane Doe or John Doe) for sex offense victims in records and proceedings if necessary to protect privacy and if it won't prejudice either side. Juries must be instructed of this practice at trial start and end.

Read the full statutory text

(a) Except as provided in Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 1054) of Part 2 of Title 7, or for cases in which the alleged victim of a sex offense, as specified in subdivision (f) of Section 293, has not elected to exercise the alleged victim’s right pursuant to Section 7923.615 of the Government Code, the court, at the request of the alleged victim, may order the identity of the alleged victim in all records and during all proceedings to be either Jane Doe or John Doe, if the court finds that type of order is reasonably necessary to protect the privacy of the person and will not unduly prejudice the prosecution or the defense. (b) If the court orders the alleged victim to be identified as Jane Doe or John Doe pursuant to subdivision (a) and if there is a jury trial, the court shall instruct the jury, at the beginning and at the end of the trial, that the alleged victim is being so identified only for the purpose of protecting the alleged victim’s privacy pursuant to this section.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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