What does "habeas corpus" mean?

"Habeas corpus" is a legal term that originates from Latin, meaning "you shall have the body." This principle is a fundamental legal right that serves to protect individuals from unlawful detention or imprisonment. It requires that a person who is arrested or detained be brought before a judge or court to determine whether the detention is lawful. Essentially, it provides a mechanism to ensure that a person's right to personal freedom is respected and upheld.

This important legal concept plays a vital role in the justice system, as it allows individuals to challenge the legality of their detention and seek relief from unlawful confinement. By invoking habeas corpus, a person can obtain judicial review of the circumstances regarding their detention, ensuring adherence to due process.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different legal aspects that do not specifically relate to the protection of individual liberty in the context described. Statutes outlining criminal offenses, types of pleas, and regulations concerning police conduct cover broader legal frameworks and procedures within the justice system, but they do not encapsulate the specific judicial safeguard that "habeas corpus" provides against unlawful detention.