What does habeas corpus determine regarding imprisonment?

Habeas corpus, often referred to as the "great writ," is a fundamental legal principle that primarily serves to protect individual freedom against arbitrary detention. Specifically, it relates to whether a person's imprisonment is lawful. When a habeas corpus petition is filed, the court examines the legality of the detention, including whether the individual is being held under valid law and proper procedures. This means that the focus is not on the guilt or innocence of the individual but rather on whether the government has the right to detain the person in the first place.

This serves as a crucial safeguard in the legal system, allowing individuals to challenge unlawful restraints on their freedom. Therefore, the correct understanding of habeas corpus revolves around its role in ensuring that individuals are not imprisoned without sufficient legal grounds.