Government Glossary

Habeas Corpus

Habeas Corpus is a legal procedure that lets a person challenge unlawful detention in court. The Constitution allows suspension of habeas corpus only in narrow circumstances involving rebellion or invasion when public safety may require it.

Plain-English Meaning

Habeas Corpus is a legal procedure that lets a person challenge unlawful detention in court. The Constitution allows suspension of habeas corpus only in narrow circumstances involving rebellion or invasion when public safety may require it.

Related Guide Pages

Powers Of CongressCongress turns constitutional authority into laws, taxes, spending decisions, oversight, investigations, confirmations, impeachment, and limits on the other branches.Judicial BranchThe Branch That Decides: how federal courts interpret law, resolve disputes, review government action, and connect visitors to official court resources.