Habeas corpus

A writ of  (; Latin: "may you have the body") protects people from being kept in jail or prison without a legal reason and without any end date. It is a writ (legal action) that says that if someone who was arrested or imprisoned wants to go to court to argue that they are being held illegally, the prison official must bring the individual to the court. Once the person is brought before the court, the judge will decide if the person is being held lawfully, or has the right to be released.

 References 

Related pages
Civil and political rights
Other websites
 ACLU: Background on Habeas Corpus
 Library of Congress: Magna Carta: Muse and Mentor
 This American Life: 331: Habeas Schmabeas 2007
 Habeas Corpus Resource Center

Category:Human rights
Category:Latin phrases
Category:Law enforcement