(2) Habeas corpus Explanation: Habeas corpus is a bulwark of personal freedom. It is a legal action, or writ, through which a person can seek relief from the unlawful detention of him or herself, or of another person. It protects the individual frpm harming him or herself, or from being harmed by the judicial system. The writ of habeas corpus has historically been an important instrument for the safeguarding of individual freedom against arbitrary state action.