This form is a Petition For Writ Of Habeas Corpus By Person In State Custody based on Lack of Voluntariness of confession and Ineffective Assistance of Counsel. Adapt to your specific circumstances. Don't reinvent the wheel, save time and money.
Habeas Corpus Act Of 1863 In Bronx
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Multi-State
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Bronx
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US-000277
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The "Great Writ" of habeas corpus is a fundamental right in the Constitution that protects against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment. Translated from Latin it means "show me the body." Habeas corpus has historically been an important instrument to safeguard individual freedom against arbitrary executive power.
It was passed by what became known as the Habeas Corpus Parliament to define and strengthen the ancient prerogative writ of habeas corpus, which required a court to examine the lawfulness of a prisoner's detention and thus prevent unlawful or arbitrary imprisonment.
As a fundamental instrument for safeguarding individual's freedom against arbitrary and lawless state action, the writ of habeas corpus serves as a procedural device, by which executive, judicial, or other governmental restraints on personal liberty are subjected to judicial scrutiny.
During Reconstruction, Congress sought to protect Union sympathizers and freedmen whose rights were threatened in the South. The Habeas Corpus Act of 1867 expanded the authority of federal courts to issue writs of habeas corpus for state prisoners.
Six months after the act, on September 15, 1863, President Lincoln suspends habeas corpus throughout the Union for any cases relating to prisoners of war, spies, traitors, or Union soldiers. It allows for extended detainment of prisoners without jury trials.
After the start of the Civil War, President Lincoln ordered General Winfield Scott to suspend habeas corpus near railroad lines that connected Philadelphia to Washington, amid fears of a rebellion in Maryland that would endanger Washington.
Without the writ of habeas corpus, people would be at risk of being detained indefinitely without good reason or at least the right to have a fair hearing. The writ of habeas corpus assures the accused of asking for a hearing to determine the validity of their detainment.
After the Writ of Habeas Corpus is filed, the Court has a few options. The Court may deny the Writ, the Court may request that the government submit a response to the Writ, or the Court may grant the Writ.
The court must rule on a petition for writ of habeas corpus within 60 days after the petition is filed. (B) If the court fails to rule on the petition within 60 days of its filing, the petitioner may file a notice and request for ruling.
The habeas petition must be in writing and signed and verified either by the petitioner seeking relief or by someone acting on his or her behalf. The petition must name the custodian as the respondent and state the facts concerning the applicant's custody and include the legal basis for the request.