Who Is Entitled to File a Federal Writ of Habeas Corpus? Federal habeas corpus is a procedure under which a federal court may review the legality of an individual's incarceration.Habeas Corpus Act of 1679​​ The writ of habeas corpus had its origins in British common law, predating Magna Carta. In United States law, habeas corpus is a recourse challenging the reasons or conditions of a person's confinement under color of law. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in the case of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. An act for the better securing the liberty of the subject, and for prevention of imprisonments beyond the seas, commonly called "the habeas corpus act." Nutting,. The Most Wholesome Law – The Habeas Corpus Act of 1679, 65. Habeas corpus is a site of particularly energetic mythmaking, for its history is long and it is an instrument of great political power. The Habeas Corpus Act of 1679, was passed during the reign of the restored monarchy of Charles II after the English Civil War. Nutting,. The Most Wholesome Law – The Habeas Corpus Act of 1679, 65.