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.
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).
Art. 11.05. BY WHOM WRIT MAY BE ISSUED. The court of criminal appeals, the district courts, the county courts, or any judge of those courts may issue the writ of habeas corpus, and it is their duty, on proper application, to issue the writ under the rules prescribed by law.
This statutory writ applied only to those who "are in custody, under or by colour of the authority of the United States, or are committed for trial before some court of the same, or are necessary to be brought into court to testify" and not to those held by state governments, which independently afford habeas corpus ...
Custody Battle Blunders: Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid Negative Speech About The Other Parent. Seeking Sympathy From The Child. Poor Communication With The Other Parent. Unjustifiably Withholding Access With The Other Parent. Misrepresenting Substance Abuse. Separating Siblings In Blended Families.
Habeas Corpus is a legal action through which a person can seek relief from unlawful detention. In custody disputes, a parent may file a writ of Habeas Corpus asking the court to order the other parent to return the child.
A writ of habeas corpus is used to bring a prisoner or other detainee (e.g. institutionalized mental patient) before the court to determine if the person's imprisonment or detention is lawful. A habeas petition proceeds as a civil action against the State agent (usually a warden) who holds the defendant in custody.
The denial of a petition becomes final immediately if the Court of Appeal has not previously issued an alternative writ or order to show cause. (Cal. Rules of Ct., rule 8.264(a)(2)(A).) That means that a petition for review from summary denial of a petition for writ of habeas corpus must be filed within ten days.