Section 2255 (habeas corpus)

Definition

The primary federal post-conviction remedy allowing prisoners to challenge the legality of their conviction or sentence. It has strict procedural requirements including a one-year statute of limitations and severe restrictions on filing second or successive petitions. If a prisoner proves their sentence is unlawful, the court must grant relief.

Examples

• •The government argued that allowing compassionate release to consider sentencing errors would create an end-run around Section 2255's deliberately strict time limits and procedural bars.

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