Federal habeas corpus is a procedure under which a federal court may review the legality of an individual's incarceration. The Writ of Habeas Corpus protects prison inmates from false imprisonment to ensure people are not thrown into jail unlawfully.A petition for writ of habeas corpus is a legal action that allows individuals to challenge their unlawful imprisonment or restraint. In United States law, habeas corpus is a recourse challenging the reasons or conditions of a person's confinement under color of law. This section constitutes an overview on California habeas corpus practice as it relates to the handling of criminal appeals. The U.S. Supreme Court interprets the Constitution, which means it defines constitutional rights and violations in the cases it decides. Court, San Jose-Milpitas. To be allowed to petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus, you must first "exhaust your remedies. The Probate Division direct line shall be indicated on the face of the. Other major cities outside the San Jose capital area--Puntarenas, Limon, and Liberia.