A habeas corpus petition is a mechanism a person in custody can use to bring a grievance to a judge. The term translates from Latin to mean “produce the body,” meaning bring the person before the court so that a judge can make a ruling.
It’s important to remember that after a judge sentences a person, the judge loses jurisdiction. With a habeas corpus motion, a judge may not have the authority to issue a ruling.
Please download the file in the margin to review a model petition for habeas corpus, pursuant to Title 28 USC section 2241.