WEST-E Social Studies Practice Test

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What is a writ of habeas corpus designed to protect?

The right to free speech
Individuals from being held without charges
The right to bear arms
Victims' rights in justice

The correct answer is: Individuals from being held without charges

A writ of habeas corpus is a fundamental legal instrument designed to protect individuals from unlawful detention. Specifically, this legal order allows a person who is in custody to seek relief from unlawful imprisonment. When a writ is issued, it requires that the custodial authority present the detained individual in court along with justification for the detention. If the justification is deemed insufficient, the court can order the release of the individual. This mechanism ensures that no one can be held indefinitely without being formally charged with a crime, thereby safeguarding personal liberty and upholding the principle of due process. The other options address important rights but do not relate directly to the purpose of habeas corpus. Free speech, the right to bear arms, and victims' rights are all significant components of the legal system, but they do not pertain to the specific protections against unlawful detention that habeas corpus provides.