The Writ of Habeas Corpus is one of the oldest principles of criminal law in the United States with a rich history dating back to medieval times. Instructions and form for filing a petition for writ of habeas corpus under 28 USC § 2254.In United States law, habeas corpus is a recourse challenging the reasons or conditions of a person's confinement under color of law. Use this form to challenge the manner in which your sentence is being carried out or to challenge your detention in a facility other than a prison. Eventually two developments stimulated new growth in the use of the writ. As a Baltimore Maryland Criminal Attorney, I often represent people in Bail Review Hearings both in the District and in the Circuit Court. Habeas Corpus (Trans: you have the body) -- A writ which brings a person before a court. On our advice, the family retained us to file a Petition for Habeas Corpus in the Circuit Court. Different matters may have different deadlines (e.g. , 10 days in a habeas corpus case).