habeas corpus

ha·be·as cor·pus

noun \ˈhā-bē-əs-ˈkȯr-pəs\

Definition of HABEAS CORPUS

1

: any of several common-law writs issued to bring a party before a court or judge; especially : habeas corpus ad subjiciendum

2

: the right of a citizen to obtain a writ of habeas corpus as a protection against illegal imprisonment

Examples of HABEAS CORPUS

1. apply for a writ of habeas corpus

Origin of HABEAS CORPUS

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, literally, you should have the body (the opening words of the writ)

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi