Instructions and form for filing a petition for writ of habeas corpus under 28 USC § 2254. "The writ of habeas corpus is a common law writ, having for its great object the liberation of persons imprisoned without sufficient cause.".Authorize a judge of the Court of Appeals to grant a petition for a writ of habeas corpus and. State criminal convictions are challenged using 28 U.S.C. § 2254 forms. Federal habeas corpus is a procedure under which a federal court may review the legality of an individual's incarceration. Both state or federal custody may petition for a federal writ of habeas corpus. It allows individuals to challenge their detention in a court of law and provides a check on the executive branch's power. This petition, called a writ of Habeas Corpus, is filed in Federal Court (US District Court ) whether you are serving time in a federal or state prison. Habeas Corpus (Trans: you have the body) -- A writ which brings a person before a court. This petition, called a writ of Habeas Corpus, is filed in Federal Court (US District Court ) whether you are serving time in a federal or state prison.