Definition of
Habeas Corpus
- (noun, attribute) the civil right to obtain a writ of habeas corpus as protection against illegal imprisonment
- (noun, communication) a writ ordering a prisoner to be brought before a judge
via WordNet, Princeton University
Synonyms of Habeas Corpus
Alternate forms of Habeas Corpus
Hypernyms: civil right, judicial writ, writ
Origin of the word Habeas Corpus
- 1465, from L., lit. "(you should) have the person," in phrase habeas corpus ad subjiciendum "produce or have the person to be subjected to (examination)," opening words of writs in 14c. Anglo-Fr. documents to require a person to be brought before a court or judge, especially to determine if that person is being legally detained. From habeas, second pers. sing. pre… more
via Online Etymology Dictionary, ©2001 Douglas Harper
Need more information on Habeas Corpus?
Habeas Corpus on Wikipedia
Habeas Corpus on Wiktionary
Habeas Corpus on Google