Writ of Habeas Corpus
In English speaking democracies, since the thirteenth century signing of the Magna Carta, captives were able to call upon the writ of habeas corpus — literally "you should have the body." This legal procedure required the state to show that there was a meaningful, legal justification for their detention.
Read more about this topic: Extrajudicial Detention
Famous quotes containing the words writ and/or corpus:
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And since thou ownst that praise, I spare thee mine.”
—William Cowper (17311800)
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—Unknown. Corpus Christi Carol (l. 1114)