What if your right to challenge an unjust imprisonment was the last line of defense against authoritarian rule? In this episode, we trace the ancient roots and modern battles over habeas corpus—from medieval England to Guantanamo Bay, to present-day America—uncovering how this vital legal safeguard is under renewed threat. As political leaders hint at suspending it under dubious claims of “invasion” or “insurrection,” this episode raises an urgent warning: democracy may hinge on whether we protect this fundamental right.

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.