Category:Habeas corpus

Ha"be*as corpus. Etym: [L. you may have the body.] (Law)

Defn: A writ having for its object to bring a party before a court or judge; especially, one to inquire into the cause of a person's imprisonment or detention by another, with the view to protect the right to personal liberty; also, one to bring a prisoner into court to testify in a pending trial. Bouvier.