What's this legal term?

Question

Within three days of being arrested, the officer, or whoever, needs to tell you why they're keeping you in jail....i think that's what it is...if not it's similar to that.

Answer 1

I think you are looking for the word "arraignment" where the charges against you are read in court and you have the first opportunity to respond.

EDIT:  Well, I'm glad you remembered the word you wanted was habeas corpus.  Now you have to give yourself 10 points.

A writ of habeas corpus is used to gain freedom from unlawful detention, by demanding that the person in question be brought before the court.

Answer 2

Let me correct you on a few things.  First off the law is that they can hold you without cause for 24 hours (24 hours is in most states).  After that they must charge you and notify you of what you are being charged with.  Also there is not a set legal term for it, it is just a law that applies in most states.