Legal Definitions - Habeas Corpus Act

The Habeas Corpus Act is a law that secures the right of English subjects to get quick relief from any illegal imprisonment. It is one of the four important charters of English liberty, the others being Magna Carta, the Petition of Right, and the Bill of Rights.

The Habeas Corpus Act was passed in 1679 during the reign of King Charles II. It is a legal remedy that allows a person who is being detained or imprisoned to challenge the legality of their detention. The Act requires that a person who is arrested or detained must be brought before a court or judge to determine whether the detention is lawful.

For example, if a person is arrested without a warrant or is held in custody without any charges being filed against them, they can use the Habeas Corpus Act to challenge their detention and seek release from custody.

The Habeas Corpus Act is an important safeguard against arbitrary detention and is considered a fundamental right in many countries, including the United States. The US Constitution includes a provision that guarantees the right to habeas corpus, which means that no person can be held in custody without due process of law.