When referring to formally signed
documents, a round robin is one in which the signitaries
write their names around the borders of the document in a circular fashion. The motivation for such a method is usually fear of
punishment. By signing names in an structured, but unordered matter, no one person can be labeled as the first signer of the document, considered the
ringleader, or given special
retribution. In other words, no
John Hanckocks.
For example, the petition of US troops stationed in Cuba during the Spanish-American War to be called home because of heavy casualties do to unsanitary conditions was signed by officers of the military there in a round-robin. It was not known who first called for the removal until later, in which it was found that Colonel Theodore Roosevelt had invigoured others to aid him.