A petition for writ of habeas corpus is a legal action that allows individuals to challenge their unlawful imprisonment or restraint. What is a Federal Writ of Habeas Corpus?A writ of habeas corpus is a petition that an individual uses to challenge their conviction or sentence in California. This petition must be clearly handwritten in ink or typed. You should exercise care to make sure all answers are true and correct. The writ of habeas corpus, also known as the Great Writ, is a U.S. legal process that determines whether an offender's imprisonment is valid. A habeas corpus petition cannot act as a second direct appeal. Generally speaking, the writ of habeas corpus is available in any case where the trial court has acted in excess of its jurisdiction. If you are filing this petition in the superior court, you only need to file the original unless local rules require additional copies. Habeas petitions provide prisoners whose rights are being violated with a means of requesting assistance from a judge.