If a person is illegally detained, which writ is most appropriate?

Correct answer: Habeas Corpus

The correct answer is A, Habeas Corpus. The Latin expression means “produce the body.” This writ protects personal liberty by requiring the detaining authority to bring the detained person before the court and explain the legal basis for detention. The court then examines whether the detention is lawful; if it is illegal, release may be ordered. Work through the question in three steps: identify detention, ask whether it is alleged to be unlawful, and connect protection from unlawful detention with Habeas Corpus. Option A is correct because it directly addresses illegal loss of personal liberty. Option B, Mandamus, orders a public authority to perform a legal duty; it is not the specific remedy for producing a detained person. Option C, Prohibition, prevents a lower court or tribunal from continuing a case beyond its jurisdiction. Option D, Quo Warranto, questions the legal authority of a person holding a public office. Memory cue: Habeas Corpus = “bring the person before the court”; do not confuse it with Mandamus, which concerns a public duty.