A number of people arrested and detained throughout the country sought writs of habeas corpus before the courts. He wanted them released through writs of habeas corpus, a right hitherto granted only to human prisoners.
Corpus is a Latin word for "body" which can have several meanings, including referring to the body of the prisoner (as in habeas corpus) in the context of criminal law. In the context of trust law corpus means the property or premises of a trust for which the trustee is responsible.
Typical examples where a court has granted a habeas corpus petition include claims of new evidence discovered in the case, ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, incompetence to stand trial, and challenging conditions of confinement.
Habeas Corpus has traditionally been an important instrument to safeguard individual freedoms against overreaching government power.
During any Arizona criminal case, there may be a point when it is necessary to file a writ of Habeas Corpus. This Latin term simply translates to, “that you have the body” and is used in instances where there is concern that a defendant's imprisonment may be against the law.
Typical examples where a court has granted a habeas corpus petition include claims of new evidence discovered in the case, ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct, incompetence to stand trial, and challenging conditions of confinement.
A writ of habeas corpus orders the custodian of an individual in custody to produce the individual before the court to make an inquiry concerning his or her detention, to appear for prosecution (ad prosequendum) or to appear to testify (ad testificandum).
Typically, prisoners use it after their challenge to the court of appeals fails. Habeas corpus often serves as a last resort for inmates who insist that the government unjustly imprisoned them.