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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.

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1876 results

In the matter of the application of Maria Miller for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 7, 1891
  • Petition type(s): Carceral
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Application of George Sellers for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 18, 1890
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: voter fraud
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of William Johnson, to be discharged from imprisonment by Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 26, 1868
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the Application of Mabel Sanderson Best, formerly Mabel Sanderson, for a writ of habeas corpus, for Isabel Sanderson, a minor, of the age of twelve years

  • Earliest record date: September 1, 1920
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: New custody arrangement reached

In the Matter of the Application of Lewis Johnson, for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 4, 1914
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: larceny
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Deported

Habeas Corpus of O. E. Sauter for George Cornwall against Charles F. Reed

  • Earliest record date: August 24, 1912
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: attempted rape
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Mabel McKillip for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 29, 1921
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

Application of Robin Holmes for a Habeas Corpus directed to Natheniel Ford to bring up the bodies of Jenny or Mary Jane Holmes, Roxanna Holmes and James Holmes, children of said Robin Holmes

  • Earliest record date: January 1, 1841
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: wrongful enslavement
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

The State on the Relation of Lee McCoy vs. Samuel M. Melick, Warden Nebraska State Penitentiary

  • Earliest record date: August 13, 1912
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cattle stealing
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Jimmy Jardini alias Russell for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 2, 1889
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: attempted rape
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Joseph Lewis for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 1, 1902
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: obstructing a street
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Harry Bevington for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 18, 1903
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Frank Sulak, for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 29, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration | Carceral: advocating or teaching the unlawful destruction of property | Carceral: Violation of Immigration Act of 1917 | Carceral: public charge
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Howard L. Rucker for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 21, 1904
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: false pretenses
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Released on bail

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 Etta Fritcher for writ of Habeas Corpus on behalf of Jessie Fritcher

  • Earliest record date: July 11, 1877
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Frederick Jacobsen for Writ of Habeas Corpus for Helen Jacobsen

  • Earliest record date: December 29, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Petition of A. B. Kelly for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: April 11, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: larceny
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In re Application of Morris Yost on Behalf of Emma Yost alias Emma Urlas for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 14, 1912
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Tonka Bajlo for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: April 15, 1913
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: deportation | Carceral: immigration | Carceral: prostitution
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Ben Shear for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 17, 1893
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: infamous crime against nature with a beast
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

On the Matter of the Application of Walter Versteeg for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 29, 1898
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: wrongful imprisonment
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the application of O. J. Vallicott for a writ of Habeas Corpus, for the body of Benjamin D. Mills

  • Earliest record date: May 15, 1897
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: embezzlement
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Petition of Thomas Ball for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 13, 1905
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: failure to pay
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of application of Harry Dragoun for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 29, 1921
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: maiming and disfiguring while driving | Carceral: reckless driving
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Application of Allen Young for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 19, 1915
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: bastardy
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

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

  • Earliest record date: December 6, 1898
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In re application of Jim Jones for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 26, 1916
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: drunkenness | Carceral: disturbing the peace
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the Matter of the Application of Mabelle S. Keller for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 28, 1906
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

Andrew H. Derrick v. Mary J. Whitesides

  • Earliest record date: May 1, 1866
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Andy Pappas for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 31, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: immigration | Carceral: prostitution
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Released on bail

In the matter of the Application of Glen Hull for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 22, 1917
  • Petition type(s): Carceral
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the petition of Ferdinard Marino and Carolina Beluscia Marino on behalf of Joseph Marino

  • Earliest record date: December 31, 1903
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: underage military enlistment | Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of Ah Chow for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: April 1, 1869
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: refusal or inability to pay fine | Carceral: selling tobacco
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of James Gannon for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 31, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: bootlegging
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

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

  • Earliest record date: June 20, 1910
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: disturbing the peace
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of John Breen for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 15, 1890
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: selling and dealing narcotic drugs
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Robert Barrett for a writ of habeas corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 10, 1909
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the Petition of Paul Kallas, for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 30, 1920
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: possession of intoxicating liquor | Carceral: illicit cohabitation
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In re application of Amanda S. Olsen, to secure a writ of Habeas Corpus for Mable Alfreda Johnson

  • Earliest record date: January 19, 1907
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: New custody arrangement reached

In the Matter of the Application of C. V. Stortz et. al.

  • Earliest record date: April 6, 1898
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Charles Chandler, for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 4, 1918
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the application of Arthur Stull for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 14, 1894
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: breaking and entering
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the Petition of Bertram Mulcahy for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 6, 1919
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: peddling without a license | Carceral: refusal or inability to pay fine | Carceral: municipal violation
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of George W. Loomis for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 14, 1891
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: suspicious character
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of John Heo for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 25, 1880
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: wrongful imprisonment
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

Habeas Corpus of Mrs Orlando Terrell Byington against Chief of Police of Seattle

  • Earliest record date: October 10, 1914
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

James Robinson v. Territory of Washington

  • Earliest record date: June 10, 1862
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: grand larceny
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Not in custody

In the matter of the application of Edward Blackfish, For writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 4, 1913
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: assault with intent to kill
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

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

  • Earliest record date: June 20, 1910
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: disturbing the peace
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody
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