At this point, Hassan interjected to explain that habeas corpus is, in fact, “the legal principle that requires that the government provide a public reason for detaining and imprisoning people.” In other words, it’s the opposite of what Noem said. It’s not a right the president possesses, but a right the people possess against the president.

Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, incorrectly defined habeas corpus. What does habeas corpus do? Has it ever been suspended? What to know.