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.
HABEAS CORPUS. "'The writ of habeas corpus is a high prerogative writ, given by the common law, and made effective and enforced by statute, the great object of which is the liberation of parties who may be imprisoned or detained without sufficient cause. ' State v.
Maryland was the first state in which martial law was imposed. Maryland's legislators were placed under house arrest to guarantee no votes for secession. Bayonets ensured Maryland stayed in the Union. Yet, in September 1862, the “liberation” of Maryland had never looked so favorable.
The Habeas Corpus Suspension Clause of Article I, Section 9, is primarily a limit on Congress's authority to authorize detention by the executive. It is not mainly concerned with the remedial writ of habeas corpus, but rather with the primary right of natural liberty.
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.
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.
“The writ of habeas corpus is a common law writ, having for its great object the liberation of persons imprisoned without sufficient cause.” A writ of habeas corpus is not a remedy in it of itself, but rather a means to reach the remedy.
Ex Parte Merryman, (1861), in U.S. legal history, American Civil War case contesting the president's power to suspend the writ of habeas corpus during a national emergency.
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.
Today, habeas corpus is mainly used as a post-conviction remedy for state or federal prisoners who challenge the legality of the application of federal laws that were used in the judicial proceedings that resulted in their detention.