| habeas corpus | (n) a writ ordering a prisoner to be brought before a judge, Syn. writ of habeas corpus |
| habeas corpus | (n) the civil right to obtain a writ of habeas corpus as protection against illegal imprisonment |
| Habeas corpus | ‖ [ L. you may have the body. ] (Law) A writ having for its object to bring a party before a court or judge; especially, one to inquire into the cause of a person's imprisonment or detention by another, with the view to protect the right to personal liberty; also, one to bring a prisoner into court to testify in a pending trial. Bouvier. [ 1913 Webster ] |