What is the purpose of the "Writ of Habeas Corpus"?

The "Writ of Habeas Corpus" serves the purpose of ensuring that an individual who is detained or imprisoned is brought before a judge. This legal instrument protects a person's right to not be unlawfully held without trial, thus providing a safeguard against arbitrary detention. When a writ is issued, it requires the custodian of the individual—often a prison official—to produce the person in court so that the lawfulness of their detention can be examined. This mechanism is vital in upholding personal liberty and ensuring that due process is followed.

The other options focus on different legal processes and do not relate to the specific function of the writ. For instance, compelling a witness to testify or declaring a case closed involves other legal orders and procedures, while preventing further legal action pertains to different aspects of legal rights and judgments. The definitive role of the Writ of Habeas Corpus is its focus on the examination of confinement and the overarching protection of individual freedoms within the judicial system.