body: Suppose that a plaintiff wants to bring a lawsuit but keep his/her identity confidential, in either a criminal or a civil case.
  
  
  The plaintiff refuses to tell either the general public or the media who he/she is. When is this possible? Who decides this request for privacy? Does the plaintiff ever have to choose between appealing a case to a Supreme Court (example), and preserving anonymity? For example, the plaintiff may fear public general condemnation, reprisals, for his/her safety. 
  
  
  I ask this for England and Wales, but please feel free to discuss other countries. 
  
  
  
title: In England and Wales, how can a plaintiff remain private and confidential?