Writ of Habeas Corpus

/ˈrɪt əv ˈheɪbiəs ˈkɔːrpəs/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A judicial writ ordering a prisoner be brought before a court to determine if their detention is lawful.
    The lawyer filed a writ of habeas corpus to challenge the client's imprisonment.

Forms

  • writs of habeas corpus

Commentary

Commonly invoked to protect individual freedom by ensuring no one is held without just cause; courts typically scrutinize government detention under this writ.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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