Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was asked to define habeas corpus. Her outrageously wrong answer was humiliating — but it was also important.

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

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.