What does the writ of habeas corpus protect against?

The writ of habeas corpus is a legal safeguard that protects individuals from being unlawfully detained or imprisoned. It provides a mechanism for a court to review the lawfulness of a person's detention and to ensure that no one is held without just cause. This constitutional right is enshrined in Article I, Section 9 of the U.S. Constitution, asserting that individuals cannot be held in custody without being informed of the charges against them and without the opportunity for a court to evaluate the legality of their imprisonment. This fundamental protection serves as a check against arbitrary and unjust imprisonment by the state, ensuring that people's liberty is not infringed without proper legal justification.