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

habeas corpus

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In common law, any of several writs issued to bring a party before a court. The most important such writ (habeas corpus ad subjiciendum) is used to correct violations of personal liberty by directing judicial inquiry into the legality of a detention. Common grounds for relief include a conviction based on illegally obtained evidence, a denial of effective assistance of counsel, or a conviction by a jury that was improperly selected or impaneled. The writ may be used in civil matters to challenge a person's custody of a child or the institutionalization of a person declared incompetent.