LancasterHistory Research Collections

Collection
Habeas Corpus Papers
Title
Habeas Corpus Papers
Object ID
HABEAS CORPUS PAPERS
Date Range
1800-1894, 1896, 1897
Collection
Habeas Corpus Papers
Title
Habeas Corpus Papers
Description
A writ of habeas corpus is a procedure for obtaining a judicial determination of the legality of an individual's custody. This collection includes petitions for writs of habeas corpus and the writs themselves, showing the names of petitioners, persons to be brought to court, nature of dispute or alleged crime, dates of writs and accompanying documents, names of judges, and names of persons that the writs are filed against. Petitioners include indentured servants, Freedom Seekers, free persons of color, convicted prisoners, those awaiting trial, relatives of prisoners, parties in child custody disputes, and relatives of army recruits and draftees. Handwritten, handwritten on printed forms, and a very few typewritten.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by date of filing.
Date Range
1800-1894, 1896, 1897
Creation Date
1800-1894, 1896, 1897
Creator
Pennsylvania. Court of Common Pleas (Lancaster County)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives West
Subcategory
Documentary Artifact
Extent
8 cubic feet
Object Name
Writ
Language
English
Condition
Fair
Object ID
HABEAS CORPUS PAPERS
Associated Material
Lancaster County Archives has Habeas Corpus dockets:
1799-1978, ten volumes, record of writs of Habeas Corpus written.
1895-1983, 43 boxes, original petitions.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Restricted use of original. A photocopy will be made for patron use.
Classification
RG 01-00 2313
Description Level
Fonds
Less detail