Habeas corpus is a Latin phrase meaning "produce the body. In United States law, habeas corpus is a recourse challenging the reasons or conditions of a person's confinement under color of law.Habeas corpus protects an arrested individual from facing unlawful detention without trial. The writ of habeas corpus is a legal order requiring a person holding another person to produce that individual before a court or judge. Habius Corpus is a legal recourse that has its roots in medieval England. Habeas corpus is a centuriesold legal procedure that protects against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment. Habeas Corpus: Latin for "bring forth the body," a legal writ forcing government authorities to justify their arrest and detention of an individual. Latin for "that you have the body. REINScH, ENGLISH COMMON LAW IN THE EARLY AMERICAN COLONIES, 1. What is Habeas Corpus?