Minn. Stat. § 589.011: DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1. Scope.

In this chapter, the words listed in this section have the meanings or inclusions given them here.

Subd. 2. Detaining authority.

"Detaining authority" includes a state or local correctional agency or officer or employee of that agency or any other public or private agency or person that is alleged in the writ of habeas corpus to have restrained or imprisoned the petitioner.

Subd. 3. Petitioner.

"Petitioner" means a person who is imprisoned or otherwise restrained of liberty and who applies for a writ of habeas corpus to obtain release.