
What is Habeas Corpus?
Habeas corpus is a legal term that is over 800 years old. It originated with the Magna Carta, considered by many to be the foundation of modern law. A Latin term, “habeas corpus” literally means “that you have the body.” Originally, this right granted the king the power to demand accountability for any subject who was restrained by authorities other than the king. He could demand that those authorities show that they “have the body” and justify the continued imprisonment of the individual.