Define "habeas corpus."

Habeas corpus, often referred to as “the Great Writ,” is a legal principle designed to protect individual freedom against arbitrary state action. It specifically allows a person who is detained or imprisoned to challenge the legality of their detention in court. When someone files a writ of habeas corpus, they are seeking a judicial determination that their imprisonment or detention is not lawful, effectively allowing the court to examine the circumstances of the detention.

This principle is rooted in the idea of personal liberty and safeguards against wrongful imprisonment, ensuring that no one can be held without sufficient justification or due process. It is a fundamental aspect of legal systems that protect individual rights, particularly in situations where a person's liberty is at stake.

In contrast, the other options refer to different legal rights: the right to a speedy trial is concerned with ensuring timely justice, the right to legal representation pertains to one's ability to have an attorney, and the right to remain silent protects individuals against self-incrimination. While all these rights are important, they do not capture the specific function and purpose of habeas corpus, which centers on the legality of detention itself.