n
a writ (= legal order) saying that a particular person who is being held by the police or in prison must be brought before a court of law so that the court can decide whether he or she is being held legally. Habeas corpus is one of the most important ways of protecting people’s personal freedom. It formally became a part of the law in Britain in 1679. US procedure is also based on the Act of 1679. Article 1 of the American Constitution says that a person’s right to get a writ of habeas corpus can never be taken away except in cases of rebellion or invasion. ‘Habeas corpus’ is part of the Latin phrase Habeas corpus ad subjiciendum , which means ‘You should have the body brought before the judge.’