H

Latin. That you have the body. A high prerogative writ of ancient origin, the vital purposes of which are to obtain immediate relief from illegal confinement. (Law) A writ having for its object to bring a party before a court or judge; especially, one to inquire into the cause of a person's imprisonment or detention by another, with the view to protect the right to personal liberty; also, one to bring a prisoner into court to testify in a pending trial.

The writ of habeas corpus -- the 'Great Writ' -- has been described as the 'highest safeguard of liberty.' Smith ...