habeas corpus

/ˌheɪbiæs ˈkɔrpəs/

UK: /ˌheɪbiəs ˈkɔːpəs/

habeas corpus

English Noun
Ad

Definition

A writ ordering that a person be brought before a court or a judge, most frequently used to ensure that a person's imprisonment, detention, or commitment is legal.

Etymology

From Latin habeas corpus ad subiciendum (“You (shall) have the body to be subjected to (examination)”), referring to the body of the detainee (not the body of a victim, similar to corpus delicti).

Example Sentences

  • "While Trump has not explicitly mentioned habeas corpus in public, it’s what he was referencing last month when he commented on steps he could take to combat nationwide injunctions against his actions on deportations, according to one of the people familiar with the talks."
Ad

Related Words