Protection of habeas corpus means that?

citizens cannot be punished without a trail.

law cannot apply to past situations.

citizens cannot be held without legal action.

laws cannot include cruel or unusual punishment.

Court orders in which a judge requires authorities to prove that a prisoner is being held lawfully and that allows the prisoner to be freed if the judge is not persuaded by the governments case. Habeas corpus rights imply that prisoners have a right to know what charges are being made against them. I am going to say that it is citizens cannot be punished without a trial.