Federal habeas corpus is a procedure under which a federal court may review the legality of an individual's incarceration. If you are incarcerated in a federal prison, you cannot file for state habeas corpus.You must file a petition for federal habeas corpus. In United States law, habeas corpus is a recourse challenging the reasons or conditions of a person's confinement under color of law. The act was designed to allow Federal judges to review the detention of Blacks held in state jails. This Guidebook is intended to be an informative and practical resource for understanding the basic procedures of the Court. The Habeas Corpus Act of 1867 is an act of Congress that significantly expanded the jurisdiction of federal courts to issue writs of habeas corpus. OVERVIEW: Latin for "that you have the body. During Reconstruction, Congress sought to protect Union sympathizers and freedmen whose rights were threatened in the South. Following his arrest, JS obtained a writ of habeas corpus from the Nauvoo Municipal Court.