← Legal Glossary
Federal Habeas Corpus
Definition
A legal procedure allowing state prisoners to challenge their convictions or sentences in federal court by arguing that their imprisonment violates the U.S. Constitution or federal law. Federal courts can only grant habeas relief for violations of federal law, not state law.
Examples
- •Smith sought federal habeas corpus relief in the district court, which granted it after finding his Eighth Amendment rights would be violated by execution.