habeas corpus
Pronunciation: /ˌheɪbɪəs ˈkɔːpəs/
noun
- a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure the person’s release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention: his application for habeas corpus a writ of habeas corpus
- the legal right to apply for a habeas corpus writ: Europe was first to introduce habeas corpus and the jury system
Origin:
late Middle English: Latin, literally 'you shall have the body (in court)'