Who Is Entitled to File a Federal Writ of Habeas Corpus? This rule implements Section 6502(b) of the Judicial Code as it applies to the venue for petitions for writs of habeas corpus in criminal matters.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. The Habeas Corpus Act of 1867 expanded the authority of federal courts to issue writs of habeas corpus for state prisoners. Your habeas corpus petition must be filed within the 1-year statute of limitations time limit set forth in 28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(1). 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. During Reconstruction, Congress sought to protect Union sympathizers and freedmen whose rights were threatened in the South. Kane, judge of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in the case of the United States of America ex rel. The law in the area is an intricate weave of statute and case law.