Opinion ID: 2025750
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: original proceeding for habeas corpus

Text: The same logic that requires dismissal of RKM's appeal also requires dismissal of RKM's petition for writ of habeas corpus. Although this court has original jurisdiction to consider habeas corpus proceedings, see Neb. Const. art. V, § 2, we do not ordinarily entertain original actions, unless some good reason is shown why the application was not made to a county or district court. See Williams v. Olson, 143 Neb. 115, 8 N.W.2d 830 (1943). We granted RKM leave to commence an original proceeding because its petition for further review was already pending on our docket, and judicial economy was served by consolidating RKM's various attempts to obtain relief from the district court's contempt order. However, RKM has failed to demonstrate that it is entitled to the benefit of the writ. Habeas corpus is a special civil proceeding providing a summary remedy to persons illegally detained. Glantz v. Hopkins, 261 Neb. 495, 624 N.W.2d 9 (2001); Rehbein v. Clarke, 257 Neb. 406, 598 N.W.2d 39 (1999). A writ of habeas corpus is a remedy which is constitutionally available in a proceeding to challenge and test the legality of a person's detention, imprisonment, or custodial deprivation of liberty. Id. Even assuming that a fine would be a deprivation of liberty for which habeas corpus could issue, see In re Caldwell, 82 Neb. 544, 118 N.W. 133 (1908), the writ is available only when the release of the petitioner from the deprivation of liberty being attacked will follow as a result of a decision in the petitioner's favor. See Glantz, supra . Habeas corpus requires the showing of legal cause, that is, that a person is detained illegally and is entitled to the benefits of the writ. Bradley v. Hopkins, 246 Neb. 646, 522 N.W.2d 394 (1994). In the absence of a sanction, obviously, there is no deprivation of liberty against which the writ of habeas corpus could issue. RKM's petition for writ of habeas corpus does not state a claim for relief.