Dictionary definition of habeas-corpus

"Habeas corpus" is a Latin phrase that translates to "you may have the body." It is a legal term that refers to a writ or an order that requires a person who is being detained or imprisoned to be brought before a court or judge. The purpose of habeas corpus is to provide a legal mechanism for challenging the legality of detention and to protect individuals from illegal detention or imprisonment. It is a fundamental principle of the rule of law and it is considered a cornerstone of individual liberty and human rights.

In the United States, habeas corpus is guaranteed by the Constitution under the Suspension Clause, which states that "The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it."

In other countries, habeas corpus is also a fundamental principle of the rule of law, and it is protected under the national constitution or the laws of the country.

In literature and media, "habeas corpus" is often used to refer to the legal mechanism that allows an individual to challenge their detention or imprisonment, and it can also be used to indicate that a character is being held against their will. The term is used to indicate that a person has a legal right to be brought before a court or judge to challenge the legality of their detention.