“They’d better start charging pretty soon. You’ve heard of Habeas Corpus, I’m sure, it’s in the Constitution. Without evidence, and formal charges, they can not be held for long.”
None of the women are being held against their will. They went voluntarily, according to the news. So Habeas Corpus is not an issue, counselor.
And the children can be held, under Texas administrative law, for their own protection from the dangerous environment, wherein they were subject to statutory rape.
That does make a difference, but if they went voluntarily, then they are free to leave, correct? And free to use their cell phones. (Although as I said, I'd prefer the authorities get a court order to tap them, so as to produce further evidence.
But Habeas Corpus still applies to the men taken into custody, doesn't it?
The first call to the domestic violence hot line was made via cell phone, maybe they are picking them up as evidence.
The rest — sitting on the steps looking forlorn, writing to Gov. Perry and this article from a SLC paper is an attempt to sway public sentiment.
I'm not swayed.