Definition

Habeas corpus (Latin: "you have the body") is defined as:

"A writ requiring a person to be brought before a judge or court, especially for investigation of a restraint upon the person's liberty, used as a protection against illegal imprisonment.?"
—Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
Random House, 2001.

Wikipedia says:

Orders "that a prisoner be brought to the court so it can be determined whether or not the prisoner is being imprisoned lawfully."

The 'Lectric Law Library adds:

Habeas corpus orders that a prisoner "be brought to the court so it can be determined whether or not that person . . . should be released from custody."

Go back to this lesson plan:

• Many Sides of the Law

Updated 01/31/2007

Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries
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