Skip to main content
« Back to Explore

Cases

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.

Filter by:

Date

Drag slider to explore cases

Dates: -

Petition Type

Petition Subtype

See more

Petition Outcome

Fate of Bound Party

Sex of Bound Party

Age of Bound Party

Race of Bound Party

Petition Year

Earliest Record Date

Latest Record Year

Repository

Type of Source

Length of Case File

Points of Law Cited

People

See more
Repository : Douglas County District Court (Omaha, Nebraska)

517 results

The State of Nebraska, upon the relation of Opal Rogers, Complaint, vs. Marshall Eberstein, Chief of Police of Omaha, Nebr. and Alta Berger, Matron and Superintendent of Omaha Detention Hospital, Eleventh and Dodge Sts., Omaha, Nebraka, Respondents.

  • Earliest record date: September 16, 1920
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: public health detention | Carceral: inmate of ill-governed house
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

The State of Nebraska, upon the relation of Mattie Cahill, Complainant, vs. Marshall Eberstein, Chief of Police of Omaha, Nebraska and Alta Berger, Matron and Superintendent of Omaha Detention Hospital, Eleventh and Dodge Streets, Omaha, Nebraska, Respondents.

  • Earliest record date: September 16, 1920
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: public health detention | Carceral: inmate of ill-governed house
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

The State of Nebraska on the relation of Leon Angus vs. Felix J. McShane and Henry Schroeder

  • Earliest record date: June 14, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy | Carceral: carrying a concealed weapon
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

State of Nebraska on Relation of Thomas Sexton, Relator V. John Briggs and Michael Corcoran, Respondent

  • Earliest record date: May 19, 1913
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

The State if Nebraska on the Relation of Willam J. McClain, Relator V. John Briggs and Michael Corccran, Respondants

  • Earliest record date: November 12, 1913
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: gambling
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

Roy Walker vs. Henry Dunn, Chief of Police, Steve Maloney, Chief of Detectives, Michael F. Dempsey, Captain of Police, Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 23, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: burglary
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

Pete Jelott Relator vs. Michael L. Clark Sheriff, Respondent

  • Earliest record date: December 30, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: possession of intoxicating liquor
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Released on bail

Ora Miller v. House of the Good Shepherd and Mother Superior Rachel

  • Earliest record date: March 29, 1915
  • Petition type(s): Institutional
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

On the relation of Mrs. Lottie Parsons Relator vs. St. James Orphan Asylum Respondent

  • Earliest record date: October 9, 1911
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

On the matter of the application of Urey E. Chapman for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 12, 1921
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

On the Matter of the Application of Susie Hunter for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 19, 1921
  • Petition type(s): Carceral
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

On the matter of the application of George F. Moore by Winifred Moore for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 1, 1921
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: bribery | Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

On the matter of the application of Anna Walter for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 14, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

On the matter of the application of A. P. Scruggs for writ of Habeas Corpus for Charles Moore

  • Earliest record date: November 18, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

On relation of Charles Holton, and Sarah Holton vs. Nebraska Children's Home Society

  • Earliest record date: February 26, 1907
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Matter of the Application by Henry Burman for a Writ of Habeas Corpus for May Burman

  • Earliest record date: September 14, 1892
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: New custody arrangement reached | released from custody

Matter of Application of Emma Clifton for Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 16, 1892
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

Matter of Application of Charles (Chas.) Stevens for Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 25, 1893
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: malicious destruction of property
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of Willett E. Tompkins for a writ of Habeas Corpus for minor John Earl Tompkins, son of petitioner

  • Earliest record date: October 28, 1910
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of Viola McAtee Jacobson for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 28, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: conspiracy
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the writ of Habeas Corpus of E. B. Branch

  • Earliest record date: May 23, 1903
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: contempt of court
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the re-application of Thomas S. Thompson for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 2, 1902
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: peddling without a license
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the re-application of N. D. Coleman for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 5, 1894
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fraud
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the re-application of Arthur F. Mullen on behalf of T. A. Dunn for a writ of Habeas

  • Earliest record date: December 27, 1912
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the re-application of Andrew Anderson for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 8, 1894
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice | Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the Petition of Roy C. Jordan for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: February 20, 1917
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the petition of Peter Duncan for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 20, 1903
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: assault and battery
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the petition of Max Selicow

  • Earliest record date: February 23, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: municipal violation
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the Petition of David Brown for Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 7, 1901
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: violation of Sunday Ordinance
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application Susie Jackson for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 5, 1915
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: refusal or inability to pay fine
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the Application of Wm Braniff for a writ of Habeas Corpus

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

In the matter of the application of Winifred Mason for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 4, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice | Carceral: grand larceny
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Willie Vangart for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 24, 1906
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: imprisoned for longer than term
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of William Sherman for a writ of Habeas Corpus for Henry Sherman

  • Earliest record date: August 21, 1901
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: larceny
  • 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 William Maier. Alias William Maher for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 15, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: unlawful possession and transport of intoxicating liquor
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of William M. Rhyn for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 4, 1908
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: sabbath breaking
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of William J. Gurley for a writ of Habeas Corpus for Garnett C. Porter

  • Earliest record date: October 11, 1901
  • 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 William H. Martin for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 1, 1889
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: grand larceny
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of William Giles for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 18, 1889
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of William F. Herman for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 5, 1894
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fraud
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of William E. Mullins for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 23, 1908
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of William Chapman for a writ of Habeas Corpus (husband of Mildred Chapman)

  • Earliest record date: October 13, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: marital dispute
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of William Carthrum for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 16, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: public health detention
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of William Butt for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 15, 1891
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: wrongful imprisonment
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of William A Mixon for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 14, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: wanted for questioning
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of William A. Keyt for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 10, 1908
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: sabbath breaking
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Wendell Phillips Herrick for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 16, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: non-support of wife | Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown
Back to top