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AO 242

Petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus Under 28 U.S.C. § 2241

Federal · United States Courts · Effective September 1, 2017

This form is a Petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus, which is used to challenge how a sentence is being carried out, or to challenge detention when the person is in federal or state custody. It asks the court to review the conditions of confinement.

Open the official PDFfrom United States Courts

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This form is used by individuals who are federal prisoners, or who are in federal or state custody for reasons other than a final conviction, to challenge their detention or the way their sentence is being managed.

Either party may file.

Common questions

What information must be included with this petition?
In addition to the petition, you must send the court a copy of the decisions you are challenging and a copy of any related forms or briefs. All filings must be on paper sized 8½ by 11 inches.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect September 1, 2017.

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