53-4-1 When and by whom writ granted
53-4-2 To whom writ directed; return of writ
53-4-3 Bond may be required of petitioner
53-4-4 Service of writ
53-4-5 Penalty for disobeying writ
53-4-6 When affidavits may be read as evidence
53-4-7 Judgment
53-4-8 Facts proved may be made part of record
53-4-9 Powers of judge in vacation
53-4-10 Judgment conclusive; exception
53-4-11 Revision of judgment by Supreme Court of Appeals
53-4-12 Disposition of prisoner and proceedings pending writ of error
53-4-13 Writs of habeas corpus ad testificandum

Terms Used In West Virginia Code > Chapter 53 > Article 4 - Habeas Corpus

  • 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.
  • Bail: Security given for the release of a criminal defendant or witness from legal custody (usually in the form of money) to secure his/her appearance on the day and time appointed.
  • County court: includes any existing tribunal created in lieu of a county commission. See West Virginia Code 2-2-10
  • 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.
  • Judgment: includes decrees and orders for the payment of money, or the conveyance or delivery of land or personal property, or some interest therein, or any undertaking, bond or recognizance which has the legal effect of a judgment. See West Virginia Code 2-2-10
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
  • Recess: A temporary interruption of the legislative business.
  • Remand: When an appellate court sends a case back to a lower court for further proceedings.
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.