Habeas corpus is a legal principle that protects an individual's right to not be unlawfully detained or imprisoned. It allows a person to challenge their detention in court, ensuring that authorities must justify the reasons for holding someone. This principle is fundamental in many legal systems, including those in the United States and United Kingdom. The term "habeas corpus" translates to "you shall have the body" in Latin, referring to the requirement for the detained person to be brought before a judge. This legal mechanism helps prevent arbitrary arrests and ensures that individuals have the opportunity to contest their detention.