Ayala v. Smith

The principal issue raised by this appeal is whether, under our rules of practice, a plaintiff may maintain an action against a defendant whose identity is unknown to the plaintiff and is therefore referred to as “John Doe.” Because we determine that the plaintiffs claim is moot, however, we do not reach this issue and dismiss the appeal for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.

The relevant factual and procedural background is as follows. On August 25,1992, the automobile in which the plaintiff, William Ayala, was a passenger was involved in an accident at the intersection of Broad Street and…