Put simply, habeas corpus is a writ (petition) that can be used in a narrow set of circumstances to bring the case of a state prisoner. You must file a petition for habeas corpus under under 28 USC § 2254 petition in the District Court for the region in which you were convicted.Your habeas corpus petition must be filed within the 1-year statute of limitations time limit set forth in 28 U.S.C. § 2244(d)(1). 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, in other words, is a petition that asks the court to completely dismiss the charges against you over the Prosecutor's objection. In Philadelphia, the petition for writ of habeas corpus is more commonly called a Motion to Quash. The meaning of WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS is habeas corpus. The Capital Habeas Corpus Unit (CHU) represents both state and federally death-sentenced prisoners in post-conviction proceedings throughout Pennsylvania. Habeas corpus is a Latin phrase meaning "produce the body. A person who believes she is being imprisoned illegally can file a petition asking a judge to issue a writ of habeas corpus.