The writ of habeas corpus primarily acts as a writ of inquiry, issued to test the reasons or grounds for restraint and detention. A person who believes she is being imprisoned illegally can file a petition asking a judge to issue a writ of habeas corpus.The "Great Writ" of habeas corpus is a fundamental right in the Constitution that protects against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment. Yes the writ of of habeas corpus is a constitutional right that protects against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment. It allows the Court to issue a habeas writ, without awaiting any action in a lower court. In sum, the writ of habeas corpus should encompass a challenge to a prisoner's conditions of confinement. Habeas corpus is the principal means under the common law for the protection of personal liberty. The writ of habeas corpus is a longstanding means of last resort to challenge arbitrary executive power to confine or detain. The writ of habeas corpus is a longstanding means of last resort to challenge arbitrary executive power to confine or detain. In sum, the writ of habeas corpus should encompass a challenge to a prisoner's conditions of confinement.