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Habeas petitions described a broad range of carceral, institutional, and interpersonal confinement over the long nineteenth century, including those used to demand due process, resist enslavement, challenge child removal and reservation confinement, avoid deportation, present child custody claims and protest child marriage, and to challenge institutionalization and detention in private and state institutions. As a legal mechanism borrowed from British common law and guaranteed as a civil right in US federal and state constitutions, habeas provides a lens on a diverse community of legal actors.

Our encoding practice allows us to identify petitions in these three categories and to indicate where those categories overlap. In addition to these three general categories, our team has identified the specific carceral charge being challenged as well as the particular forms of institutional and interpersonal confinements being questioned.

You may also browse or search petitions by location and/or jurisdiction to learn more about the myriad complaints petitioners brought before judges in Arizona, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, and Washington between 1812 and 1924. Each case entry includes a full citation, a summary, links to people with a role in the case, a list of other people named, and any sites of significance. Visitors wanting access to full case files can contact the cited repository for information about obtaining copies. Those without institutional affiliations may request image scans from Dr. Jagodinsky directly. The Glossary defines the attributes used to structure data from the habeas petitions. The Code Book explains the relational structure of the data and functionality of the database website.

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  • between 21 and 30 pages 192

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Length of Case File : between 21 and 30 pages

192 results

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In the case of Francois Lafontaisis application for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 14, 1874
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: selling liquor to Indians
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

Thomas and Catherine Gilbert v. William Cochrane

  • Earliest record date: May 2, 1888
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: imprisoned for longer than term
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Application of Wah Lee for a Writ of Habeas Corpus on behalf of Lun Kim, Lun Yuk, and Lun Teu

  • Earliest record date: June 11, 1898
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: prostitution
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

The United States of America upon the relation of John R. Howard v. James B. Nickerson, Acting United States Marshal for the District of Nebraska, and Edwin C. Boehler, United States Commissioner for the Omaha Division, District of Nebraska and Michael L. Clark, Sheriff of Douglas County, Nebraska

  • Earliest record date: May 7, 1921
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice | Carceral: uttering and passing forged paper | Carceral: robbery and battery | Carceral: obtaining money under false pretenses
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the Application of Ludwig Shostrovich/Kostrouch for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 10, 1892
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: Grave Robbery
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

John W Harding vs G. W. L. Allen

  • Earliest record date: December 23, 1878
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: refusal to pay bail
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of said William Kirkland for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 12, 1872
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: murder
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Application of O. V. Lawson for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 8, 1906
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: practicing medicine without a license
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Released on bail

The United States of America upon the relation of Harry Compton v. James B. Nickerson, Acting United States Marshal for the District of Nebraska, and Edwin C. Boehler, United States Commissioner for the Omaha Division, District of Nebraska and Michael L. Clark, Sheriff of Douglas County, Nebraska

  • Earliest record date: May 7, 1921
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice | Carceral: uttering and passing forged paper | Carceral: robbery and battery | Carceral: obtaining money under false pretenses
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of application of Margaret Grundy by Mrs. Roy Davis her mother and next friend for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 23, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: convent
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the Application of Anna Berg et al for Writ of Habeas Corpus, Wasgreu

  • Earliest record date: October 26, 1903
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Vito Cheala for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 21, 1920
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: suspicious character
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Petition of Raleigh M. Faulkner for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 1, 1861
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fraud
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of David Livingstone on Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 14, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: military infraction
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of George Harrision For a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 13, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: assault with a deadly weapon
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of application of Charles Hoban for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 26, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: stealing an automobile | Carceral: receiving a stolen automobile
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Charles I. John v. Thomas J. Flynn (U.S. Marshal) and Henry Schroeder (Jailer)

  • Earliest record date: February 24, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: violation of the Harrison Act | Carceral: possession of opium derivatives
  • Petition outcome: Petition withdrawn
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of Thomas Ross on Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 7, 1914
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: selling liquor to Indians
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of R. H. Johnson for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 2, 1920
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of B. W. Wittekopf application for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 1, 1903
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

Abigail Clauey v. King County

  • Earliest record date: May 5, 1875
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: disorderly conduct
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Gussie Goldman Woods for a writ of habeas corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 13, 1914
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration | Carceral: prostitution
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of William P. Dinkens for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 24, 1892
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: bastardy
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Alfred Woods for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 22, 1885
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: contempt of court
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Application of Sam Gum, for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: April 26, 1921
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Deceased | exhibits withdrawn

In the matter of the application of John M. Commons for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 7, 1906
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: peace bond
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of Application of Edgar Bunnell and Arthur Bunnell for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 10, 1888
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: drunk and disorderly
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Released on bail

In the matter of the application of Elsie Miller Dickinson for a writ of habeas corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 13, 1914
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration | Carceral: prostitution
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of J. Martin - Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 20, 1898
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: grand larceny
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

Habeas Corpus of O. R. Blystone against Robert Hodge, Sheriff

  • Earliest record date: December 5, 1912
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: grand larceny | Carceral: forgery
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the application of Eva Tolls alias Eva White for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 30, 1898
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: prostitution | Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Max Rosenthal, for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 25, 1902
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: maintaining a solicitor without having a license
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

John vs. William Campbell

  • Earliest record date: November 18, 1831
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: wrongful enslavement
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Fred O. Lane for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 9, 1917
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of Elvie D. Kerby for a writ of habeas corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 24, 1921
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: first degree murder
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the Application of Claus Hubbard for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 26, 1898
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy | Carceral: wrongful imprisonment
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Wong Yuen for a writ of habeas corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 25, 1903
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: spousal custody | Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Edson Sturgeon of Seattle Washington for Writ of H. Corpus

  • Earliest record date: April 1, 1901
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody | custody transferred to third party

In the Matter of the Application of Caleb Sykes for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 1, 1897
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice | Carceral: larceny | Carceral: fraud
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the Imprisonment C. C. Smith Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 18, 1902
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: being a disorderly person
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

Allen R. Kelly vs. John Power, Sheriff of Douglas County

  • Earliest record date: April 3, 1900
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: bribery
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Itchitara Matsutsuyu to be released on Habeas Corpus.

  • Earliest record date: December 2, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: Violation of Immigration Act of 1917
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of Charles H. Phillips, Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 1, 1884
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: grand larceny
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

On the Matter of the Application of Jacob S. Bradley on Behalf of Blanche A. Bradley for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 8, 1899
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of John Reilly for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 17, 1890
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: drunkenness | Carceral: disorderly conduct
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Jim Stevens for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 6, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: drunkenness | Carceral: possession of intoxicating liquor
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Emma Evers for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 12, 1924
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: unlawful possession of intoxicating liquor | Carceral: unlawful sale of intoxicating liquor
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus on behalf of Frank Foster [originally titled, In the Matter of the Application of Homer Rutherford for Writ of Habeas Corpus, on behalf of Frank Foster]

  • Earliest record date: October 24, 1912
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: assault and robbery with a dangerous weapon
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of John W. McMenemy for and on behalf of John W. McMenemy Jr., otherwise known as "Dot" McMenemy for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: February 26, 1890
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody
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