Chimpanzees at The Nonhuman Rights Project 's to be covered by habeas corpus writ . Petition by animal rights group claims chimps are 'unlawfully detained ' University rep have been ordered to attend court to respond to petition . Ruling by judge effectively recognises the chimpanzees as legal humans . UPDATE : Since the publication of this story , the court order has been amended . The order is no longer a 'writ of habeas corpus ' , which has been struck out .
Chimpanzees at NY university to be covered by habeas corpus writ . Petition by animal rights group claims chimps are 'unlawfully detained ' University rep have been ordered to attend court to respond to petition . Ruling by judge effectively recognises the chimpanzees as legal humans . UPDATE : Since the publication of this story , the court order has been amended . The order is no longer a 'writ of habeas corpus ' , which has been struck out .