The writ of habeas corpus ad subjiciendum shall be granted forthwith by the Supreme Court of Appeals, or any circuit court, or any other court given power by any particular statute to grant the same, or any judge of either court in vacation, to any person who shall, by himself or by someone in his behalf, apply for the same by petition, showing by affidavit or other evidence probable cause to believe that he is detained without lawful authority.

Terms Used In West Virginia Code 53-4-1

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • 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.
  • Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.