This is a multi-state form covering the subject matter of the title.
This is a multi-state form covering the subject matter of the title.
The literal meaning of habeas corpus is "you should have the body"—that is, the judge or court should (and must) have any person who is being detained brought forward so that the legality of that person's detention can be assessed.
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.
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.
The Writ of Habeas Corpus is an outstanding post-conviction remedy available to you. Through it, you can attain many kinds of successes in your case, including immediate release from custody, reduction of your sentence, stop illegal conditions to your incarceration, and even potentially seek a new trial.
By petitioning for a writ, you are asking the court to determine whether your conviction or sentence is illegal. A writ of habeas corpus can be very powerful because if the court accepts your argument, the court can order your immediate release, a new trial, or a new sentencing hearing.
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.
A writ of habeas corpus safeguards individual freedom by preventing the unlawful detention of citizens. Essentially, it is a court order to anyone holding another to justify the detention and for the court to rule whether it is within the boundaries of the law.
The Writ of Habeas Corpus protects prison inmates from false imprisonment to ensure people are not thrown into jail unlawfully. Today, it is a highly effective post-conviction tool that can be used by inmates to challenge their sentencing conditions.
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.