The Writ of Habeas Corpus protects prison inmates from false imprisonment to ensure people are not thrown into jail unlawfully. The court must rule on a petition for writ of habeas corpus within 60 days after the petition is filed.3) The Exhibits: Purpose of habeas is to produce evidence not found in the record on appeal. A petition for writ of habeas corpus is a legal action that allows individuals to challenge their unlawful imprisonment or restraint. Habeas petitions are generally filed in superior court in the county where the inmate is being held. As appellate counsel, we are all familiar with petitions for writs of habeas corpus. The Alameda County public defender's office represented defendant in the case of People v. At any point during an involuntary detention, a person may request a writ of habeas corpus. They must have also filed a direct appeal to the appellate court and then to the California Supreme Court. State Habeas Corpus Manual November 2008 The traditional use of habeas corpus allows incarcerated people to challenge their convictions and sentences.