This section constitutes an overview on California habeas corpus practice as it relates to the handling of criminal appeals. A habeas corpus petition cannot act as a second direct appeal.To file a habeas action, send the court the following items: â–« Your original, completed petition form. Habeas corpus refers to the principle of freedom from unlawful detention. The Writ of Habeas Corpus protects prison inmates from false imprisonment to ensure people are not thrown into jail unlawfully. Simply put, a writ of habeas corpus calls into question the continued incarceration of an individual. This following portions of this manual contain a step-by-step guide to California state habeas corpus process, including court forms and sample court pleadings. This petition, called a writ of Habeas Corpus, is filed in Federal Court (US District Court ) whether you are serving time in a federal or state prison. In many countries, authorities may incarcerate someone for months or years without charging them. Habeas corpus is a Latin phrase meaning "produce the body.