HABEAS CORPUS

Category: Criminal Procedure

WHAT IS HABEAS CORPUS?

     Habeas corpus means “having it brought” plus “body”

     To inquire into the legality of the detention of a person

     A writ or order requiring that a prisoner be brought before a judge or into court to decide whether he is being held lawfully.
 

WHY  IS  HABEAS  CORPUS  CONSIDERED  AN  EXCEPTION  TO  THE EXCEPTION?

     Because  it  is  a  prerogative  writ  and  therefore  must  be  decided upon immediately by the court

     The  habeas  corpus  proceeding  must  take  precedence  over  all other cases because it involves the liberty of the person
 

WITHIN HOW MANY HOURS SHOULD A JUDGE RESOLVE A HABEAS CORPUS PROCEEDING?

     Within 48 hours or 2 days
 

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF THE PUBLIC ATTORNEY IF THE ACCUSED ASSIGNED TO HIM IS IMPRISONED?

1.    He shall promptly undertake to obtain the presence of the prisoner for  trial,  or  cause  a  notice  to  be  served  on  the  person  having custody  of  the  prisoner,  requiring  such  person  to  advise  the
prisoner of his right to demand trial

2.    Upon  receipt  of  that  notice,  the  person  having  custody  of  the prisoner shall promptly advise the prisoner of the charge and his right  to  demand  trial.    If  at  anytime  thereafter,  the  prisoner
informs the custodian that he demands such trial, the latter shall cause  notice  to  that  effect  to  be  sent  promptly  to  the  public attorney

3.    Upon  receipt  of  such  notice,  the  public  attorney  shall  promptly seek to obtain the presence of the prisoner for trial

4.    When the person having custody of the prisoner receives from the public attorney a properly supported request for the availability of the  prisoner  for  purposes  of  trial,  the  prisoner  shall  be  made
available accordingly.