Doe v. UNUM Life Insurance Co. of America

ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO DISMISS AND DENYING MOTION TO ALLOW PLAINTIFF TO PROCEED ANONYMOUSLY

Re: Dkt. Nos. 16, 19

WILLIAM H. ORRICK, United States District Judge

INTRODUCTION

Federal courts are courts of public record. Some litigants and witnesses prefer anonymity because of the unwanted attention litigation can bring. But the strong presumption is that the public has a right to know who is seeking what in court and whether he or she is entitled to the relief sought. The presumption can be overcome in unusual cases where safety is an issue or stigma is so palpable that anonymity is critical. But…