What is habeas corpus? (A) An effort by a governmental agency to block the publication of material it deems libelous or harmful in some other way. (B) The process by which different protections in the Bill of Rights were incorporated into the fourteenth amendment. (C) The right of the government to take private property for public use. (D) A court order demanding that an individual in custody be brought into court and shown the cause for detention.

Habeas corpus, originating from the Latin phrase meaning "you shall have the body," has a rich history dating back to the English Magna Carta in 1215. It serves as a fundamental safeguard against unlawful detention, ensuring that no one can be held without just cause. This legal principle empowers individuals to challenge their imprisonment, demanding clarity and justification from the authorities—a critical check on governmental power. In modern times, habeas corpus remains vital in protecting individual rights within the justice system. For instance, prisoners can petition courts for review of their detentions due to violations of their rights or incorrect legal procedures. This process not only helps maintain justice but also reinforces the idea that everyone deserves a fair hearing, laying the groundwork for robust democratic principles.