What is the primary purpose of a Writ of Habeas Corpus?

The primary purpose of a Writ of Habeas Corpus is to require a government official to justify a prisoner’s detention. This legal instrument serves as a crucial safeguard against unlawful imprisonment, allowing individuals to seek relief from unjust detention. When a Writ of Habeas Corpus is issued, it compels the custodian of the prisoner, typically a jailer or other government authority, to provide a valid reason for the confinement. This process ensures that the individual's right to liberty is protected under the law, allowing for judicial review of the circumstances surrounding their detention.

The other options, while related to the legal system, do not accurately represent the specific function of a Writ of Habeas Corpus. Initiating a lawsuit against a government agency involves different legal processes, as does the concept of freedom of speech, which pertains to First Amendment rights. Amending the U.S. Constitution follows a separate set of procedures entirely and does not relate to the purpose of a Writ of Habeas Corpus.