The writ of habeas corpus, if issued by the court, shall be under the seal of the court, or if by a judge, under his hand; and shall be directed to the person in whose custody the applicant is detained. To the end that no officer, sheriff, jailer, keeper, or other person to whom such writ is directed may pretend ignorance thereof, every such writ shall be endorsed with these words, By the Habeas Corpus Act.

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 21-27-8

  • 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.
  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
  • Seal: includes an impression of the seal upon the paper alone, as well as upon wax or a wafer affixed to the paper, and also the word "seal" written or printed on such paper. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

Source: CCrimP 1877, § 671; CL 1887, § 7839; RCCrimP 1903, § 771; RC 1919, § 4978; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 37.5501; SL 1983, ch 169, § 6.