Provocative thoughts

[Vexari]

Why suspend the habeas corpus in insurrections and rebellions?

Examine the history of England

See how few of the cases of the suspension of the habeas corpus law have been worthy of that suspension

They have been either real treasons, wherein the parties might as well have been charged at once,

or sham plots, where it was shameful they should ever have been suspected

Yet for the few cases wherein the suspension of the habeas corpus has done real good,

that operation is now become habitual

and the minds of the nation almost prepared to live under its constant suspension..


~ Thomas Jefferson ~ (1743-1826)

US Founding Father, drafted the Declaration of Independence, 3rd US President

Source.. letter to James Madison, 1788


Definition of 'habeas corpus':

A writ having for its object to bring a party before a court or judge; especially, one to inquire into the cause of a person's imprisonment or detention by another, with the view to protect the right to personal liberty.