The Writ of Habeas Corpus protects prison inmates from false imprisonment to ensure people are not thrown into jail unlawfully. (A) On filing, the clerk of the court must immediately deliver the petition to the presiding judge or his or her designee.There is no filing fee associated with this filing. A habeas corpus petition cannot act as a second direct appeal. A Writ of Habeas Corpus may be an option for you if you or someone you love is being held in jail, prison, or a mental health institution. Habeas Corpus, in the Federal Court, is a petition that claims that you are being detained against your US constitutional rights. The Latin phrase habeas corpus translates to "you have the body. The habeas petition is for situations when a legal error occurred, as we say, outside the "four corners" of the court file. It allows individuals to challenge their detention in court and provides a means of rectifying unjust imprisonment. Rules 8.380-8.388 govern habeas in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.