Habeas corpus is an order to bring a body before a court. The body being a live one, the detainee. Thus proving that the detainee hasn't been exiled/tortured/

Habeas corpus is an order to bring a body before a court. The body being a live one, the detainee. Thus proving that the detainee hasn't been exiled/tortured/murdered/whatever and providing an opportunity to challenge the detention.