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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 Nettie Goodwin and George Armstrong for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 18, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice | Carceral: adultery
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of application of Philmore David and Ellison Blackford for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: December 20, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of James Washington for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 26, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Harry E. Miller for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 19, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

Harriet O'Grady, on behalf of Myrtle O'Grady, vs. Doctor J. N. Smith, Superintendent of the State Institution for Feeble Minded

  • Earliest record date: May 1, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: juvenile detention
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Duncan Burrage for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 18, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Knud Knudsen for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 18, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: violation of city ordinance | Carceral: selling and offering for sale milk and cream below the standard
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Calorina Merales for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 15, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: carrying a concealed weapon
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Anna Nocita for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 3, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Henry Cherritt (Harry Cherrett) for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 21, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application of Fannie Green for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 20, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: inmate of ill-governed house | Carceral: keeping a house of ill repute
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the Matter of the Application of Albert Hall for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: September 10, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

United States of America v Aiken Salter

  • Earliest record date: August 16, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: selling and dealing narcotic drugs
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Thomas Vann for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: April 12, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Margie Wardyn, a Minor of Two Years of Age, by Anna Wardyn, her mother and next friend for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 24, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

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

  • Earliest record date: August 19, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: parole violation
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of application of Henry Patera for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 19, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: seduction
  • Petition outcome: Writ denied
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the matter of the application for Kathleen L. Williams for Writ of Habeas Corpus for Roger H. Williams

  • Earliest record date: August 1, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of application of Ruth Christy by Robert E. Christy her parent and next friend for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 12, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

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 application of Charles Flournoy for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 9, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: insanity
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Not in custody

In the matter of the application of Alberto Sichofsky for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 9, 0118
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: attempting to enter the United States from a foreign country without a passport
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

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

In the matter of the application of Arthur Williams for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 1, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: larceny
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Aurello Coliginna for writ of Habeas Corpus for the person of Vincenzzina Coliginna

  • Earliest record date: May 24, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Robert Ross for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 26, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: disorderly conduct
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Eddie Toman by Anna Cohen, his mother and next friend, for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: May 2, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Laura M. Parker for Writ of Habeas Corpus for Joyce McCaulley and Ray McCaulley Jr.

  • Earliest record date: April 26, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Pearl Alma Bentley for writ of Habeas Corpus for minor son Richard Lloyd Green

  • Earliest record date: April 13, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In re application of Louie Simmons and Joe Cavarra for Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: March 10, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Frank H Monroe for a writ of Habeas Corpus. H.S. Lower, Petitioner

  • Earliest record date: February 8, 1923
  • 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 Esther A. Johnson, Chief Juvenile Officer for writ of Habeas Corpus (Harry Litter) [Little]

  • Earliest record date: February 3, 1923
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

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 Martin D. Reilly and Christy Reilly for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 29, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Edgar I. Fuller for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 27, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Carceral
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • 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 application of Edgar I. Fuller father of Helen Dorothy Fuller for Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 20, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: New custody arrangement reached

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

In the matter of the application of J. H. Walker for a writ of Habeas Corpus for Louis Digilo alias Louis Marion

  • Earliest record date: November 13, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: fugitive from justice
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In the matter of the application of Charles [Charles scratched out] Mae Smith for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: November 6, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed for want of prosecution
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

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 the application of Robert H. Johnson for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 20, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

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 Pierce H. O'Dell for a writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: October 3, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: cause unspecified
  • Petition outcome: Unknown
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

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 Gertie D. Folden for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: August 7, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Interpersonal: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody

In the matter of the application of Carl Fisher for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: July 12, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Carceral | Carceral: no charge
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Remained in custody

In the Matter of the Application of Lela Murry for a Writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: January 5, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Carceral: prostitution | Carceral: vagrancy
  • Petition outcome: Writ dismissed
  • Fate of bound party: Unknown

In re application of Marie Philbrick for writ of Habeas Corpus

  • Earliest record date: June 20, 1922
  • Petition type(s): Institutional: child custody
  • Petition outcome: Writ allowed
  • Fate of bound party: Released from custody
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