When husband and wife live separate and apart from each other without being divorced, the circuit court or judge thereof, upon application of either, may grant a writ of habeas corpus to inquire into the custody of any minor unmarried child of the marriage, and may award the custody of such child to either for such time and under such regulations as the case may require. The decision of the court or judge must be guided by the rules provided by law for awarding custody of a minor or appointing guardians.

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Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 25-5-9

  • Habeas corpus: A writ that is usually used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

Source: SDC 1939, § 14.0305.