Center for American Progress
Donate
See all topics
See all states
Search Search
Today's landmark US Supreme Court decision has settled once and for all that the ancient right of habeas corpus extends to the detainees of Guantanamo Bay. Habeas corpus grants every individual in the custody of the US government the right to challenge the basis for their detention in a court of law. By so limiting the power of the executive, it is the fundamental principle that goes so deeply to the heart of our system of government: it defines the distinction between dictatorship and the rule of law.
Advancing Racial Equity and Justice, Restoring Social Trust in Democracy, Courts
Senior Director, Media Relations
[email protected]
Senior Director, Government Affairs
Senior Manager, State and Local Government Affairs
Today’s landmark US Supreme Court decision has settled once and for all that the ancient right of habeas corpus extends to the detainees of Guantanamo Bay. Habeas corpus grants every individual in the custody of the US government the right to challenge the basis for their detention in a court of law. By so limiting the power of the executive, it is the fundamental principle that goes so deeply to the heart of our system of government: it defines the distinction between dictatorship and the rule of law.
Read more here.
The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.
Former Senior Fellow
The Democracy team is advancing an agenda to win structural reforms that strengthen the U.S. system and give everyone an equal voice in the democratic process.