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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 31 and 40 pages 81

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Length of Case File : between 31 and 40 pages

81 results

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In the matter of the petition of Hiura, Teiichi for a writ of habeas corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 1, 1920
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration | Carceral: obtaining passport under false pretenses | Carceral: public charge
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In Re Petition of Gus Bendjus et al for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 15, 1887
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: rioting | Carceral: malicious destruction of property
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Released on bail

In the Matter of the application of James Murray for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: April 14, 1905
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Dennis H. Cronin, U.S. Marshal, et al., Appellants, vs. Florence Godly

  • Earliest record date: June 17, 1924
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: unlawful sale of intoxicating liquor | Carceral: unlawful possession of intoxicating liquor
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the app of Josie Celestine et ux for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 2, 1899
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: New custody arrangement reached

In the Matter of the Petition of William Jones, William H. Doyle, Fred Williams and Alfred Woods for a Writ of Habeas Corpuswa

  • Earliest record date: February 8, 1885
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: refusal or inability to pay recognizance
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Dennis H. Cronin, U. S. Marshal, et al., Appellants, vs. Mary Pierce

  • Earliest record date: June 17, 1924
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: unlawful sale of intoxicating liquor
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of William H. Beck and John F. Mackey for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 11, 1905
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: refusal or inability to pay recognizance
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Mike Aboud for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 21, 1905
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: obtaining money under false pretenses | Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Custody transferred to third party

In the Matter of the Application of Herman Weise for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 30, 1894
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: maintaining a common nuisance
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of John Fenezia for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 17, 1924
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: unlawful sale of intoxicating liquor
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the Application of Martin Von Schlosser for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 2, 1905
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

The People of the Territory of Washington as the Relation of John Doyle Ex Parte

  • Earliest record date: June 30, 1884
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: obstructing a railroad track
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released on bail

In re application of Edward Falconer for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 24, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Custody transferred to third party

In the matter of the application of Katherine M. Hauser for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 4, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

Eugene Crowne v. James McAuliff

  • Earliest record date: May 31, 1869
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: adultery | Carceral: fornication
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the Application of Bartholomeo Massulo, for a writ of habeas corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 8, 1917
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: public charge | Carceral: advocating or teaching anarchy | Carceral: immigration
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Redden Jones for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 8, 1890
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of Wah Ni for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 11, 1892
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody | deported

In the matter of the application of James Herbert Van Closter and Andrew W. McLaughlin for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 3, 1891
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: mortgage fraud
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Custody transferred to third party

In the Matter of the Application of Charles Jackson for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 19, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of C. W. Hutchinson for writ of Habeas Corpus.

  • Earliest record date: October 31, 1885
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: embezzlement
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of Matoba Watari for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 1, 1921
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Exhibits withdrawn | remained in custody | deported

In the Matter of the Application of Thomas L. Thurston for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 23, 1914
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: detaining, delaying, and embezzling mail matter
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of John Walker for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 25, 1900
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: bastardy | Carceral: subornation of perjury | Carceral: refusal or inability to pay fine
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the Petition of Robert Gillis for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 22, 1904
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Yo You Jam, for a writ of habeas corpus.

  • Earliest record date: August 4, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Adolph Krug for writ of habeas corpus and release

  • Earliest record date: October 23, 1893
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: embezzlement
  • Petition outcome: Petition denied
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Application of Moy Chong for a Writ of Habeas corpus

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

In the matter of Henri Dachez on Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 14, 1877
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: prostitution | Carceral: immigration
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied | writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

Dennis H. Cronin, U. S. Marshal, et al., Appellants, vs. Charles Marino

  • Earliest record date: June 17, 1924
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: unlawful possession of intoxicating liquor | Carceral: unlawful sale of intoxicating liquor
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of H. J. Finch for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: April 12, 1920
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fraud | Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Michel Koseris for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 7, 1917
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: seeking exemption from draft
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Malinda and Nelly, people of color, by and through their next friend, Beriah Cleland v. Robert Wilburn

  • Earliest record date: December 1, 1821
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: wrongful enslavement
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of John Alperson for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 6, 1905
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: selling tobacco
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Sarah D. Bassett for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: April 18, 1902
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: juvenile detention
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of Gross S. Edison for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 4, 1857
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: wrongful imprisonment | Carceral: fraud
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of W. M. McPhay for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 24, 1903
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: murder
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of W. L. Lafferty by his attorney Francis J. Lynch for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 10, 1903
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: peddling without a license | Carceral: refusal or inability to pay fine | Carceral: municipal violation
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

James G. V. Ingoldsby, Plaintiff v. W. T. Fenton, Warden State Penitentiary of the State of Nebraska, Defendant

  • Earliest record date: June 16, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: forgery | Carceral: uttering | Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the Petition of Edwin L. Cady for a Writ of Habeas Corpus, in behalf of William L. Gardner vs Dr. R. E. Lee Steiner, Sup’t. of the Oregon State Hospital for the Insane

  • Earliest record date: September 1, 1911
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Apolonio Trugillo and Apolonia Trugillo for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 5, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied | writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

The State of Nebraska On the Relation of Hermann Reiter, Complainant vs. Johanna Reiter, Respondent

  • Earliest record date: January 29, 1898
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: New custody arrangement reached

The United States of America upon the relation of Arthur Wyse 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

Marianne, a person of color vs. Elijah Mitchel, Alexander J. Fields

  • Earliest record date: May 22, 1832
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: wrongful enslavement
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of Jacob Schuman for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 27, 1886
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: selling liquor without a license
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of Antonio Sesto for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 17, 1924
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: Violation of Immigration Act of 1917 | Carceral: deportation
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the Application of Janet MacKay, formerly Janet Roy, for a writ of habeas corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 1, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Deported

In Re: Application of L.J. Urann for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 1, 1905
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice | Carceral: larceny
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the Application of William Spears and James McGough for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 26, 1883
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: obtaining money under false pretenses
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown
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