How a Law Case Title Tells You More Than You May Think

From Shelley’s Case: 

This might be helpful for the 1L’s, thought most of you probably knew this already.

Jane Doe v. John Doe
(Plaintiff versus Defendant)
This is the classic case name in civil suits.

In re Doe
These are judicial proceedings where there is no adversarial parties. Usually used for bankruptcy, contempt, disbarment, guardianship, and probate proceedings.

Ex parte Doe
These are special proceedings in which a court communicates with a particular party.

State ex rel. Jane Doe v. John Doe
These are cases relating to extraordinary legal remedies.

Jane Doe v. Alfred Gonzales
The 11th Amendment provides that citizens may not sue states in federal courts. Thus, instead of naming a state, you have to name the head of the state or agency you are suing in a civil case.

The Commonwealth of Virginia v. Jane Doe
This is a criminal case in which a state brings suit against an individual, Jane Doe.

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