Habeas corpus, in other words, is a petition that asks the court to completely dismiss the charges against you over the Prosecutor's objection. Federal habeas corpus is a procedure under which a federal court may review the legality of an individual's incarceration.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. In United States law, habeas corpus is a recourse challenging the reasons or conditions of a person's confinement under color of law. 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). Literally, "habeas corpus" means "to produce the body. The federal courts provide the opportunity to litigate a habeas corpus petition to challenge an unconstitutional state court conviction. The U.S. Supreme Court interprets the Constitution, which means it defines constitutional rights and violations in the cases it decides. It allows individuals to challenge their detention in a court of law and provides a check on the executive branch's power. The Latin phrase habeas corpus translates to "you have the body.