In United States law, habeas corpus is a recourse challenging the reasons or conditions of a person's confinement under color of law. Put simply, habeas corpus is a writ (petition) that can be used in a narrow set of circumstances to bring the case of a state prisoner.Federal prisoners may file two different kinds of motions for post-conviction relief: "Section 2255 motions" and "Section 2241 habeas corpus petitions." Habeas corpus, in other words, is a petition that asks the court to completely dismiss the charges against you over the Prosecutor's objection. Ask them to fill out and sign a declaration. The law in the area is an intricate weave of statute and case law. We will therefore affirm the order of the District Court denying the petition as untimely. Ga. 1983), in which a defendant who burned the American flag to protest U.S. involvement in Iranian affairs was denied habeas corpus. Am sure that he filled out two full yea. United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.