ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Habeas corpus in the United States

Habeas corpus is like a magic defense spell that people in the United States can use to protect their freedom when they are put in prison or held against their will by the government.

They can use this spell to tell the government to show a good reason why they are being held, otherwise they must be let go. Imagine your toy gets taken away by your big brother, you can use your magic spell to make him explain why he took it, otherwise he has to give it back to you.

This spell is very important because it helps protect people's freedom and makes sure the government can't just put people in prison for no reason. It has been around for a long time, since the Constitution was written many, many years ago. Even though the spell is a little complicated, it helps keep people safe and fair in the United States.