What is the term for a writ for the release of a prisoner?

The term "habeas corpus" is a fundamental legal principle that serves as a safeguard against unlawful detention. This writ compels the person holding an individual in custody to bring the detainee before the court to determine whether the imprisonment is lawful. It protects against wrongful imprisonment by ensuring that a person cannot be held without just cause. If the court finds that there is no legal basis for the detention, the prisoner must be released.

In this context, the other terms do not pertain specifically to the release of a prisoner. "Judgment" refers to a court's final decision on a matter, which does not specifically address the issue of imprisonment. "Misdemeanor" denotes a category of crime that is less severe than a felony but does not relate to the legal process of releasing someone from custody. "Lessee" refers to a person who holds a lease, typically in relation to property rental, and is unrelated to legal processes concerning individuals in custody. Hence, "habeas corpus" is the correct choice for a writ aimed at ensuring a prisoner’s release when their detention is questioned.