Terms Used In Missouri Laws 532.420

  • Habeas corpus: A writ that is usually used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

It shall not be lawful for any court, on such second writ of habeas corpus, to discharge the prisoner, if he is clearly and specifically charged in the order remanding him, or on the warrant of commitment, with a criminal offense, but the prisoner, on the return of such writ, shall be bailed or remanded to prison, according to the circumstances of the case.