A writ of assistance is an order instructing law enforcement to perform a certain task. It commonly is used to enforce an order for the possession of lands or property. They were originally authorized by the British Exchequer in 1660 to that customs agents could search for smuggled items.
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James Otis opposed the writs of assistance.
No the townshend act did not give writs of assistance. The act legalized search warrants, and the rights of people were fringed upon.
1767
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Writs of assistance enabled British customs officers to search homes for smuggled goods.